Ju^xt 


Columbia  (Hnittf rgftp 
intljeCtipofi^migork 

THE    LIBRARIES 


Bequest  of 

Frederic  Bancroft 

1860-1945 


M  E  M  O I R 


OF 


EEY.  JOHN  L,  PEICHARI) 


LATE   PASTOR    OF   THE   FIE  ST   BAPTIST    CHURCH, 


BY 


REV.  J.  D.  HUFHAM. 


KALEIGH,   N.  C. 

HUFHAM    &    HUGHES,    PUBLISHERS 

1867. 


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S^i. 


In^:  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Birth — Early  Childlioud — First  Affliction — Reverse  of  Fortune — Early 
Struggles — Maternal  Influence — Conversion— --Christian  Devotion — 
Thoughts  of  the  Ministry. 

CHAPTER  n. 

Baptists  of  North  Carolina  Previous  to  1830 — Extensive  Revivals — Origin 
of  the  Baptist  State  Convention-  -Promineat  Movers — Wake  Forest  Insti- 
tute— Agency  of  Mr.  Armstrong — Mr.  Prichard  Enters  the  Institution — 
Character  as  a  Student — His  Trials — Graduation. 

CHAPTER  III. 

Removal  to  Murfreesboro,  North  Carolina — Labors  in  the  School  Room — 
Visit  to  Milton — Preaching  in  North  Carolina  and  Virginia — Rev.  John 
Kerr — Settlement  in  Danville — Marriage — Extensive  Labors — Revival — 
Protracted  Meeting  at  Bethatiy — Constitution  of  Bethany  Church — Roan- 
oke Association — Influence  in  Favor  of  Missions — Extracts  from  Letters. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

A  Severe  Trial — Sickness  and  Death  of  his  Wife — Letters  Referrino-  to  this 
Event — Attendance   upon  General  Association — Various  Letters — Second 
Marriage— Call  to  Lynchburg-- Yanceyville  Meeting— Removal— Estimate 
?.„     of  his  Worth  and  Labors. 

iC  CHAPTER  V. 

^^Description  of  Lyncliburg — Entrance  Upon  the  New  Pastorate — Discourage- 
ments— Diversified  Labors— Completion  of  Meeting-House — Difiiculties  in 
^     the  Church— Adjustment— Mrs,   Hollins— Temperance  Cause— Incident— 
/Q     Letters — Results  of  Labors  in  Lynchburg — Call  to   Wilmington — Accep- 
tance— Labors  in  Lynchburg. 

v.- 


^ 

^ 


VUl 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Wilmington,  Korth  Carolina — Pastorate  Comcaenced— Sense  of  Responsibil- 
ity—  Heavy  Labors— Associational  Meetings — Sympathy  with  the  SnffVu^- 
ing — Family  Affliction  Sanctified — Romarkable  Revival — Extracts  from 
Diary  and  Letters. 

CHAPTER  YIL 

New  House  of  ^Yorship  in  Wilmington — Enterprise  Difficult — Increased 
Labors  and  Solicitude  of  Pastor — Extracts  from  Diarj^ — Condition  of  the 
Country — Love  of  the  Union — Extracts  from  Diary — War — Work  among 
the  Soldiers — Affecting  Incident — Extracts  from  Diary  -Letters — Visit  to 
Richmond — Testimony  of  a  Soldier. 

CHAIITER  VIII. 

Blockade-Running  Vessels — Introduction  of  Yellow  Fever — Great  Consterna 
tion — Removal  of  Families — Death  of  Rev.  Robert  Drane,  D,  D. — Dr. 
Dickson  and  other  Prominent  Citizens — Medical  Aid  and  Supplies  Fur- 
nished— Remarkable  Beauty  of  the  Weather — Mr.  Prichard's  Self-Deny- 
ing Toils — His  Congregation  Scattered — Sense  of  Loneliness — Letters. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Fever  Still  Raging — Mr.  Prichard  Continues  his  Arduous  Labors — Confi- 
dence in  Divine  Sovereignt}'- — Letters — Arrested  by  Fever — Affecting  De- 
tails— Death — Reflections, 

CHAPTER  X. 

Extensive  Usefulness — Vigorous  Intellect — Retentive  Memory — Courage — 
Confidence  in  his  own  Judgment — Strength  of  Will — Little  Poetic  Imag- 
ination— Warm  Sympathies — Consecration — Interest  in  Works  of  Benev- 
olence— Manner  in  the  Pulpit — Plis  Domestic  Habits — Family  Worship — 
Touching  Incident — Estimate  of  Character  by  a  Virginia  Pastor. 


MEMOIR  OF 

REV.  J.  L.  PRICHARD 


CHAPTER  I. 


BinTH — Early  Childhood — First  Affliction — Reverse  of 
Fortune — Early  Struggles — Maternal  Influence — 
Conversion — Christian  Devotion — Thoughts  of  the 
Ministry. 

John  Lamb  Prichard  was  born  in  Pasquotank  county, 
]S[.  C,  on  the  6th  of  June  1811,  and  was  the  second  of  six 
children.  There  was  little  either  in  his  appearance,  during 
his  earlier  years,  or  in  the  condition  of  his  family,  to  indi- 
cate the  commanding  influence  and  eminent  usefulness  to 
which  he  afterwards  attained.  His  parents  were  in  mode- 
rate circumstances,  possessing  enough  property,  with  the 
aid  of  industry  and  economy,  to  furnish  them  a  comfortable 
living.  They  saw  and  desired  to  see  little  of  fashion's  gay 
throng  and  were  strangers  to  the  luxuries  which  wealth 
brings  in  its  train. 

But  they  had  what  is  far  better,  contentment  with  their 
lot,  and  a  quiet,  unobtrusive  yet  earnest  piety.  Both  were 
members  of  a  Baptist  church,  and  by  their  blameless  lives 
won  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  all  who  knew  them.  Mr. 
Prichard  used  to  relate  that  his  father  would  arise  a  great 
while  before  day  in  order  that  he  might  have  opportunity 
to  study  the  Scriptures  and  oflfer  praise  and  prayer  to  God 
before  entering  on  his  regular  routine  of  labor. '  It  is  also 
known  that  he  was  a  liberal   and  unselfish   man,   always 


10  MEMOIR   OF 

ready  to  relieve  the  sufferings  of  others,  without  reference 
to  his  own  comfort  or  convenience. 

His  wife  w^as  a  fit  companion  for  him.  Industrious  and 
frugal,  always  careful  to  provide  the  physical  comforts  of 
home  for  her  family,  she  still  kept  their  spiritual  interests 
uppermost  in  her  mind,  and  strove,  by  her  example,  her 
precepts  and  her  prayers,  to  lead  her  children  to  Christ. 
Her  maternal  faithfulness  had  a  rich  reward  even  here ; 
for  she  lived  to  see  them  all  consistent  and  useful  christians. 
Four  of  them  have  passed  away  from  the  earth,  and  within 
a  recent  period  she  has  gone  to  join  them  in  a  brighter, 
happier  sphere. 

In  this  peaceful,  happy  home,  surrounded  by  these  gra- 
cious influences,  the  first  nine  years  of  Mr.  Prichard's  life 
were  spent.  What  wonder  that  his  memory  should  often 
have  reverted  to  this  brief  sunny  period,  amid  the  struggles 
and  sorrows  of  his  later  years,  or,  young  as  he  was,  that  it 
should  have  been  protential  in  shaping  the  whole  of  his 
subsequent  career  ?  He  was  growing  up  a  delicate  boy,  of 
slender  frame,  ardent  temperament  and  social  disposition, 
yet  having  a  keen  relish  for  active  out-door  sports,  and  by 
enquiry  and  observation  already  laying  the  foundation 
for  the  stores  of  know^ledge  which  he  afterwards  accumula- 
ted. As  yet  he  knew  nothing  of  real  trials  or  sorrows. 
But  God,  when  He  would  prepare  His  servants  for  some 
great  work,  not  unfrequently  carries  them  first  through  a 
course  of  discipline  in  the  stern  school  of  sufiering,  and  Mr. 
Prichard's  term  of  pupilage  was  about  to  commence. 

When  he  had  reached  his  ninth  year,  death  came  into 
the  household  and  tore  the  husband  and  father  from  hearts 
that  clung  to  him  w^ith  agonizing  tenderness.  On  the  sub- 
ject of  this  memoir  the  event  made  a  deep  and  lasting  im- 
pression. To  the  close  of  his  life  he  remembered  his  feel- 
ings ''  when  aroused  from  sleep  at  night  to  see  the  best  of 


REV.    J.   L.   PBICHARD.  11 

fathers  die."  This  first  great  family  grief  was  rendered 
more  poignant  by  what  followed.  The  liberality  and  kind- 
heartedness  of  the  elder  Prichard  has  been  alluded  to.  He 
had  become  surety  for  several  persons  and  after  his  death 
most  of  his  property  was  sold  to  pay  their  debts. 

Her  husband  laid  in  the  grave,  the  widow  with  the  rem- 
nant of  her  little  fortune  and  her  six  children,  the  oldest  of 
them  but  eleven  years  of  age,  left  the  scene  of  her  purest, 
sweetest  joys  and  of  her  keenest  sufferings,  and  returned  to 
Camden  county,  where  she  had  been  reared  and  where  most 
of  her  kindred  still  resided.  Here  she  settled  and  com- 
menced life  anew.  Her  lot  seemed  hard,  but  her  trust  in 
God  was  firm  and  unwavering  and  she  neither  murmured 
nor  desponded. 

It  will  be  a  suitable  tribute  to  the  memory  of  this  excel- 
lent woman  to  refer  to  the  patient  endurance  and  the  cheer- 
ful application  to  the  discharge  of  duty  which  distinguish- 
ed her  in  the  painlul  circumstances  in  which  she  was 
thrown.  These  attributes  were  marked  in  her  character. 
Is  it  too  much  to  believe,  that  besides  the  influence  of  a 
natural  buoyancy  of  spirit,  the  widow's  God  imparted  pe- 
culiar, supernatural  wisdom  and  strength,  to  qualif}^  her 
for  the  new  trials  and  responsibilities  of  her  position  ?  The 
promises  of  the  Bible  addressed  to  the  widow  and  orphan, 
are  perhaps  more  numerous  and  explicit,  than  to  any  other 
class  of  afflicted  ones.  Is  it  then  surprising  that  Mrs. 
Prichard,  borne  down  by  the  pressure  of  heavy  calamity, 
and  out  of  the  depths  of  her  sorrow,  looking  up  to  the  God 
of  her  salvation,  should  have  been  upheld  and  sustained  ? 

Labor  was  a  necessity  both  to  her  and  her  children. 
John  was  employed  on  the  farm  a  while,  but  afterwards 
choosing  a  vocation  more  in  accordance  with  his  character 
and  tastes,  he  served  an  apprenticeship  as  a  house-carpenter. 
The  terms  of  his  contract  were  faithfully  observed,  and  it 


12  •  MEMOIR   OP 

was  a  matter  of  principle  witli  him  to  do  neatly  and  with 
dispatch  whatever  he  underto  ^k — characteristics  which  he 
maintained  through  life. 

Many  evidences  of  his  skill  and  industry  are  still  to  be 
seen  in  the  region  where  he  lived.  Nor  was  he  ever  asha- 
med to  refer  to  the  fact  that  his  earlier  years  were  spent  at 
the  plough  and  in  the  work-shop.  In  one  or  two  instances 
members  of  his  congregation,  with  a  feeling  of  worldly 
pride,  manifested  a  restless  uneasiness  lest  their  position  in 
society  should  be  injured  by  these  references  of  their  pastor. 
He  however  shared  not  such  feelings  and  for  the  purpose  of 
elucidating  some  truth  or  enforcing  some  duty  would  often 
introduce  in  his  discourses,  allusions  to  Jie  time  of  his  ap- 
prenticeship. Referring  too,  to  visits  afterwards  made  to 
Camden,  he  would  advert  with  satisfaction  to  buildings 
more  or  less  important  which  had  risen  under  his  direction. 

For  the  encouragement  of  the  young,  especially  of  young 
ministers,  he  would  point  to  the  way  along  which  God  had 
led  him,  deeming  it  no  disgrace  to  himself  or  his  ministry 
that  his  earlier  years  had  been  spent  in  toilsome  employ- 
ments. 

Although,  during  the  whole  of  his  youth  and  eai-ly  man- 
hood he  labored  constantly  at  his  trade,  it  did  not  quench 
his  thirst  for  knowledge.  At  night  and  in  the  brief  intervals 
of  leisure  he  eagerly  perused  such  books  as  came  within  his 
reach,  adding  to  his  stock  of  information  and  f(>rming  the 
habit  of  reading  which  he  ever  afterwards  retained. 

His  ardent  temperament  and  social  disposition  led  him, 
at  this  period,  to  enter  with  zest  into  the  amusements  com- 
mon to  persons  of  his  age,  and  he  afterwards  deeply  deplor- 
ed the  frivolities  in  which  he  then  indulged. 

In  1831,  when  he  was  twenty  years  old,  the  great  event 
of  his  life  occurred.  The  good  seed  sowai  in  his  heart  by 
parental  instruction  and  example  sprung  into  life  under  the 


EEV.    J.   L.   PRICHARD.  13 

blessing  of  God  and  brought  forth  fruit.  He  was  happily 
and  thoroughly  converted,  and  was  baptized  into  the  fel- 
lowship of  the  church  at  Shiloh,  Camden  county,  by  Rev. 
Evan  Forbes.  His  convictions  were  deep  and  pungent  and 
his  sufferings  intense,  while  he  was  groping  his  way  slowly 
through  the  darkness  of  ignorance  and  unbelief.  Light 
came  suddenly,  and  with  it  ecstatic  joy  and  perfect  peace  of 
mind.  So  clearly  marked  was  the  work  of  grace  in  his 
heart  that  the  time  and  the  place  where  his  sufferings  were 
relieved  were  indelibly  impressed  on  his  memory.  In  the 
free  interchange  of  thought  and  feeling  which  he  held  with 
those  he  loved  and  trusted,  he  used  tell,  with  trembling 
lips,  how  he  went  to  a  solitary  place  to  pray,  bowed  down 
under  a  load  of  guilt,  distressed  by  fearful  forebodings  and 
brought  to  the  verge  of  despair;  how,  as  he  poured  out  his 
soul  before  God,  he  was  enabled  to  accept  Christ  as  his 
Rausoni,  liis  Mediator,  his  Portion,  his  all ;  and  how  joy 
and  peace  unutterable  filled  his  soul. 

It  was  doubtless  due  to  his  experience  of  the  preciousuess 
of  Christ  and  the  plan  of  salvation,  in  this  the  hour  of  his 
conversion,  that  throughout  his  ministerial  life  he  dwelt  so 
much  and  so  urgently  on  the  simplicity  and  efficacy  of  the 
gospel  as  the  only  foundation  of  human  hope.  His  views 
of  this  system,  and  its  adaptation  to  human  necessity,  seem 
to  have  been  remarkably  clear. 

It  is,  too,  an  interesting  fact  that  his  conversion  occurred 
during  a  season  of  religious  excitement  in  the  community 
which  continued  many  months,  and  which  resulted  in  large 
accessions  to  the  churches  of  that  region.  The  idea  is 
sometimes  entertained,  that  such  a  season  is  unfavorable  to 
intelligent  apprehensions  of  spiritual  truth.  But  it  w^ill  be 
found  that  more  depends  on  the  judgment  and  fidelity  of 
those  who  conduct  these>  seasons,  than  on  a  mere  freedom 
from  excitement.     Thus  while  the  subject  of  this  memoir 


14  MEMOIR  OF 

was  in  the  midst  of  influences  peculiarly  exciting,  he  failed 
not  to  apprehend  in  a  large  degree  those  doctrinal  truths 
wliich  lie  at  the  basis  of  all  true  religion. 

Though  his  christian  experience  was  so  clear  in  its 
earlier  stages,  he  was  not  without  sore  temptations  and  trials 
afterwards.  He  mentioned  among  other  things,  that  he 
was  strongly  tempted  to  use  profane  oaths.  "  Sometimes," 
he  said,  "I  was  afraid  to  open  my  mouth  lest  I  should 
swear  in  spite  of  myself."  Doubts  and  fears  came  now 
and  then,  but  they  were  only  the  ripples  which  appear  on 
the  surface  of  the  lake.  The  hidden  depths  of  trust  and 
hope,  far  beyond  the  reach  of  the  adversary,  maintained 
an  unbroken  calm. 

Now  commences  that  career  of  christian  activity  and 
usefulness  which  for  more  than  thirty  years  had  no  inter- 
mission. As  soon  as  he  accepted  Christ  he  began  to  talk 
and  to  labor  for  Christ.  The  region  in  which  he  lived, 
continued  to  enjoy  the  gracious  revival  of  religion  already 
referred  to,  more  than  a  year.  It  was  the  custom  to  hold 
prayer-meetings  from  house  to  house  through  the  neigh- 
borhood. Mr.  Prichard  regularly  attended  these  meetings 
and  often  conducted  them.  After  working  all  day  at  his 
trade  he  would  walk  three  or  four  miles,  and  even  farther, 
in  order  that  he  might  have  his  own  soul  refreshed  and,  if 
opportunity  was  offered,  speak  a  word  for  Jesus.  Nor 
did  he  confine  his  efi'orts  to  these  public  meetings.  He  never 
failed,  when  he  could  do  it,  to  present  the  claims  ot  religion 
to  those  whom  he  met  in  the  walks  of  his  daily  life.  The 
church  at  Shiloli  esteemed  him  so  highly  that  they  called 
him  to  the  deaconship  and  in  this  office  he  served  them  ac- 
ceptably till  he  was  led  into  another  and  wider  field  of 
usefulness. 

In  subsequent  life,  Mr.  Prichard  frequently  reierred  with 
deep  interest  to  the  scenes  and  circumstances  familiar  to 


REV.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  15 

him  at  this  period.  Those  night  meetings,  so  frequent  and 
refreshing,  he  never  forgot.  Along  the  public  thorough 
fare  and  more  retired  pathways  he  was  accustomed  to  pass, 
on  his  way  to  these  religious  gatherings,  he  employed  the 
time  in  the  contemplation  of  the  Lord's  ways,  and  in  med- 
itation on  his  word.  Often,  as  he  then  mused,  the  word  of 
the  Lord  was  like  fire  in  his  bones,  and  he  could  not  res- 
train himself.  It  is  not  wonderful  that  reaching  the  social 
meeting,  he  should  give  vent  to  the  pent  up  feelings  of  his 
soul,  nor,  that  in  these  hortotary  appeals,  he  should  have 
given  promise  of  future  uyefulness  in  the  ministery. 

His  thoughts,  at  this  time,  were  occasionally  directed  to 
the  duty  of  preaching  the  Gospel,  but  it  was  not  till  sev- 
eral years  afterwards,  while  pursuing  his  studies  at  Wake 
Forest  College,  that  he  decided  to  enter  on  the  work. — 
Doubtless  he  was  restrained  from  an  immediate  devotion 
to  the  ministry  by  a  sense  of  personal  unfitness.  His  views 
of  responsibility  in  this  department  of  christian  labor, 
were  somewhat  peculiar  The  momentous  issues,  for  weal 
or  woe,  growing  out  of  the  office,  and  the  high  quali- 
fications essential  to  the  right  performance  of  its  duties, 
prepared  him  to  shrink  from  it.  He  thought  too,  it  would 
not  be  right  for  him  to  preach,  without  more  of  preparation 
by  mental  culture,  and  enlarged  general,  as  well  as  Scrip- 
tural knowledge.  It  were  well  if  more  of  this  solemn 
dread  of  rushing  uncalled  into  a  work  so  important,  were 
entertained  by  the  young  men  of  the  churches.  Then 
with  earnest  beseechings  for  Divine  education  would  they 
approach  the  mercy  seat,  and  with  more  of  assiduity  and 
perseverance  would  they  seek  the  attainments  requisite  to 
becoming  able  ministers  of  the  IS'ew  Testament.  Thus  it 
seemed  to  be  witli  Mr.  Prichard. 

His  thirst  ior  information  continued  uuabated.     Before, 
he  had  sought  it  in  order  that  he  might  improve  his  world- 


16  JIEMOIR   OF 

Ij  condition.  'Now  he  desired  it  for  a  higher,  nobler  pur- 
pose— that  he  might  be  more  extensively  useful.  He  longed 
to  take  a  regular  course  of  study,  but  this  seemed  impossi- 
ble. He  was  poor,  dependent  on  his  daily  labor  for  food 
and  raiment;  he  had  no  wealthy  or  influential  friends  to 
take  him  by  the  hand  or  smooth  his  pathway;  schools 
were  few  and  expensive  and  books  were  not  then  so 
cheap  and  abundant  as  they  have  since  become.  How 
could  his  heart's  desire  be  gratified  ?  There  seemed  to  be 
little  ground  for  hope.  And  yet  the  day  was  fixed  when, 
by  God's  blessing  on  a  childlike  faith  and  an  unyielding 
will,  knowledge  should  unfold  to  his  delighted  vision  "her 
ample  page  rich  with  the  spoils  of  time." 


CHAPTER  II. 

Baptists  OF  NoKTH  Carolina  Pkevious  to  1830 — Exten- 
sive Keviyals — Origin  of  the  Baptist  State  Convention 
— Prominent  Movers — Wake  Forest  Institute — Agen- 
cy OF  Mr.  Armstrong — Mr.  Peichard  Enters  the  In- 
stitution— Character  as  a  Student — His  Trials — 
Graduation. 

Until  tlie  year  1830,  the  Baptists  of  North  Carolina 
were  without  an  organization  which  had  for  its  object  to 
bring  the  whole  denomination  in  the  State  into  harmoni- 
ous and  efficient  co-operation  in  the  work  of  spreading  the 
Gospel.  For  a  few  years  there  was  a  Missionary  Society, 
but  it  did  not  last  long  and  its  operations  w^^re  confined  to 
a  small  portion  of  the  State.  There  was  also  a  •*  General 
Meeting  for  correspondence,"  but  it  was  not  a  Missionary 
body.  Neither  had  the  district  Associations  adopted  the 
present  plan  of  attempting  to  supply  the  destitution  of  the 
home  field  through  Boards  of  their  own.  In  a  few  cases 
ministers  were  instructed  to  labor  as  evangelists  and  a 
specified  sum  was  raised  for  them  by  public  collections.  By 
far  the  greater  part  of  tlio  missionary  work  of  those  early 
days  was  performed  by  the  churches  and  their  pastors. 
Many  of  the  churches  had  out-stations,  which  were  visited 
by  the  pastor  or  some  member  of  the  church,  and  services 


18  MEMOIR  OF 

were  held  in  school-houses,  private  residences,  or  the  open 
air,  as  circumstances  required.  Many  of  these  out-stations 
exist  to  this  day — out-stations  no  longer,  but  flourishing 
and  self-sustaining  churches.  It  was  the  custom  of  the 
pastors  to  obtain  leave  of  absence  from  their  churches  for 
weeks  or  months,  and  make  protracted  journeys  through 
the  country,  preaching  at  night  or  during  the  day,  wher- 
ever the  people  could  be  gathered  together.  Commencing 
at  the  home  of  some  family  willing  to  hear  the  Gospel,  they 
labored  from  house  to  house  till  whole  neighborhoods  were 
converted  to  God  and  churches  were  organized  where 
preaching  had  previously  been  almost  unknown. 

Those  who  scattered  the  seeds  of  which  we  are  reaping 
the  harvest,  were  little  versed  in  the  learning  of  the  schools. 
Plain  men  called  to  this  holy  work  from  secular  pursuits, 
they  brought  to  the  study  of  the  English  Bible,  large, 
round-about  common  sense  and  a  spirit  of  earnest  prayer 
and  humble  dependence  in  God.  They  went  forth,  impell- 
ed by  the  love  of  the  Redeemer  which  was  burning  within 
them,  guided  in  their  movements  by  what  they  term- 
ed their  "impressions"  and  by  the  indications  of  Prov- 
idence, and  labored  without  pecuniary  reward.  In- 
deed they  did  not  expect  this.  They  received  only  the 
free-will  offerings  of  the  communities  in  which  they  preach- 
ed. How  little  this  was,  is  demonstrated  by  the  poverty 
in  which  most  of  them  lived  and  died. 

Their  sermons  would  hardly  stand  the  test  of  criticism 
according  to  the  standards  of  to-day,  but  they  were  rich  in 
Gospel  truth,  presented  in  language  and  enforced  by  argu- 
ments and  illustrations  which  at  once  took  hold  on  the  pop- 
ular mind.  They  dealt  largely  in  christian  experience, 
and  in  their  exhortations  and  appeals  there  was  a  fire,  an 
unction,  which  at  times  made  them  almost  irresistible. 
Under  their  ministry  revivals  prevailed,  which  in  extent 


EEV.   J.   L.   PEICHARD.  19 

and  power  have  too  few  parallels  now.  They  frequently 
extended  through  the  greater  portion  of  a  year,  or  two 
years,  in  the  same  section  of  country  and  the  number  of 
souls  added  to  the  churches  during  their  continuance  was 
truly  wonderful. 

Through  the  ministry  of  these  men  the  multiplication  of 
Baptist  churches  and  the  spread  of  Baptist  sentiments  in 
the  State  were  remarkably  rapid.  From  one  church  in 
1727,  and  one  Association  in  1758,  they  were  to  be  found 
at  the  period  of  which  we  write,  in  all  parts  of  the  State. 

The  time  for  concert  of  action  among  the  Baptists  of 
North  Carolina  had  now  come.  The  preliminary  meeting 
was  held  in  Greenville,  in  1830,  and  the  firct  session  of  the 
Baptist  State  Convention  of  North  Carolina  was  held  in 
1831,  with  the  church  at  Cross-Eoads,  Wake  county. — ■ 
There  were  present  forty  delegates  from  thirty  six  churches 
and  seventeen  counties.  The  object  of  the  Convention  was 
the  promotion  of  home  and  foreign  missions  and  of  ministe- 
rial education,  and  the  collections  for  this  purpose,  during 
the  year,  were  $819.90. 

Many  of  the  members  were  pioneers  such  as  we  have 
described  above,  but  men  ot  large  souls  and  liberal  views. 
Most  of  them  have  since  gone  to  their  reward,  but 

"  The  memory  of  their  virtues  lingers  yet, 
Like  solt  twilight  hues  when  tlie  sun  is  set." 

It  is  pleasant  to  find,  among  them  the  names  of  such  men  as 
John  Purefoy,  Q.  H.  Trotman,  George  M.  Thompson,  W. 
P.  Biddle,  Eli  Philips,  George  Feunell  and  Job  Goodman. 
They  were  a  tower  of  strength  in  their  day. 

It  will  not  be  understood  that  there  was  any  real  incon- 
gruity between  the  spirit  and  labors  of  these  noble  men,  and 
of  those  who  succeeded  them.  They  were  eminently 
adapted  to  the  times  in  which  they  lived.  Anything 
like  state  action,  or  general  combination,  would  have  been 


20  MEMOIR   OF 

exceeding!}^  inconvenient,  if  not  impossible.  The  benefits 
of  the  printing:  press  were  but  little  enjoyed.  Mail  facili- 
ties were  infrequent  and  uncertain.  Eailroads  were  things 
unthonght  of,  and  communication  with  distant  places,  even 
by  the  stage  coach,  was  expensive  and  irregular.  In  the 
earlier  history  of  the  Triennial  Baptist  Convention,  Jesse 
Mercer  'was,  by  necessity,  compelled  to  travel  from  his 
home  in  Georgia  to  Philadelphia  or  New  York  hj  private 
conveyance.  To  make  such  a  journey  was  an  event  in 
tliose  days.  It  is  said  that  this  devoted  man  on  the  Lord's 
day  before  his  departure  from  home  found  himself  surround- 
ed by  weeping  crowds,  sorrowing  most  of  all,  lest  they 
should  see  his  face  no  more.  It  must  not  be  assumed  there- 
fore that  the  fathers  in  their  sacrifices  and  toils  were  ani- 
mated by  a  spirit  which  is  not  breathed  by  their  sons,  or 
that  the  latter  in  their  superior  advantages  of  position  are 
governed  by  a  more  elevated  devotion  to  the  cause  of 
Jesus. 

But  in  this  assembly  there  were  some  men  of  liberal  cul- 
ture. First  among  these  we  mention  Rev.  Samuel  Wait, 
D.  D.,  then  a  young  man  fresh  from  college  and  the  Theo- 
logical Seminary,  fall  of  enthusiasm  and  energy,  wise  in 
laying  plans  and  patient  in  executing  them.  One  of  the 
most  prominent  and  active  among  the  originators  of  the 
Convention  he  identified  himself  thoroughly  with  it,  can- 
vassed the  State  for  it,  striving  by  every  means  in  his  pow- 
er to  enlist  all  the  churches  in  its  support,  and  for  more 
than  thirty  years  gave  to  it  his  contributions,  his  labors 
and  his  prayers.  He  still  lingers,  honored  and  loved, 
amid  the  scenes  of  his  earlier  years,  quietly  awaiting  the 
summons  home. 

Bev.  John  Armstrong  was  a  valuable  co-laborer  in  the 
new  movement.  More  scholarly  but  less  impassioned  than 
Dr.  Wait,  he  brought  to  the  consideration  of  every  question 


REV.   J.   L.   PBICHARD.  21 

a  clear  head  and  a  strong  will.  He  settled  in  I^orth  Carolina 
as  a  teacher,  was  afterwards  pastor  of  the  church  in  New- 
bern,  then  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Convention  und 
a£:ent  for  the  Institute  at  Wake  Fore&t.  For  a  short  time 
he  filled  a  Professor's  chair  in  the  Institute,  but  went  to 
Paris  to  prepare  himself  better  for  the  discharge  of  his  du- 
ties. Subsequently  he  removed  to  Columbus,  Mi?sigsiv)pi, 
and  there  died. 

Rev.  Thomas  Meredith  was  also  there.  He  was  educa- 
ted for  the  law,  but  God  had  a  nobler  work  for  him.  Hav- 
ing been  converted  to  God  he  entered  the  ministry  and 
settled  in  this  State  as  pastor  of  the  church  in  Edenton. 
There  he  published  the  Bcqytist  Interrjjeier^  a  monthly,  and 
the  first  Baptist  periodical  ever  issued  in  North  Carolina. 
Subsequently  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate  in  Newbern 
and  there  the  Interpreter  was  changed  into  the  Blljlical 
Recorder^  a  weekly  newspaper.  To  extend  its  circulation 
and  increase  its  usefulness  he  removed  to  Raleigh  and  there 
remained  till  the  close  of  his  life.  A  man  of  dignified  and 
commanding  presence,  a  fluent  speaker,  a  clear  and  forci- 
ble reasoner,  and  thoroughly  informed  on  all  the  topics  of 
the  day,  he  at  once  took  a  high  rank  among  the  Baptists 
of  the  State.  Nor  did  it  stop  here.  His  power  as  a  writer 
was  fully  equal  to  that  which  was  conceded  to  him  as  a 
speaker.  At  diiferent  times  he  was  brought  into  collision 
with  many  of  the  first  men,  not  only  of  his  own  denomina- 
tion but  also  among  the  Pedobaptists.  It  is  needless  to 
say  that  he  proved  himself  a  match  for  the  ablest  of  his 
opponents.  A  laborious  man  through  the  whole  of  his  life, 
all  his  wealth  of  influence  and  knowledge  and  intellect  was 
devoted  to  the  promotion  of  the  Baptist  cause.  He  sleeps 
in  the  cemetery  in  Raleigh,  and  a  monument  erected  by 
his  brethren  marks  his  resting-place  and  indicates  the  es- 
timation in  which  he  was  held. 


22  MEMOIE  OF 

If  it  were  proper  to  speak  of  those  who  still  remain, 
"abundant  in  labors"  as  in  days  of  yore,  honorable 
mention  might  be  m.ade  of  Rev.  W.  Hooper,  D.  D.,  L.  L. 
D.,  whose  praise  is  in  all  the  churches,  and  of  Rev.  James 
McDaniel  who,  for  seventeen  years,  has  presided  over  the 
deliberations  of  the  body  in  whose  organization  he  bore  an 
active  part. 

By  such  men  the  Convention  was  organized.  Their 
views  were  liberal  and  their  plans  were  large,  reaching  far 
out  into  the  future.  They  encountered  opposition,  but  met 
it  fearlessly  yet  wisely,  and  were  permitted  to  see  it  give 
way  before  them  and  the  whole  denomination  in  the  State, 
nominally  at  least,  enlisted  with  them  in  the  great  enter- 
prises which  they  originated. 

Let  it  not  be  supposed  that  these  are  mere  useless  details 
thrown  in  to  fill  up  space.  They  are  necessary  to  a  proper 
estimate  of  the  subject  of  this  memoir.  His  earlier  expe 
riences  were  among  the  pioneer  laborers  mentioned  at  the 
beginning  of  this  chapter.  Under  the  ministry  of  one  of 
them,  and  in  one  of  those  remarkable  revivals  which  char- 
acterized that  period  of  our  denominational  history,  he 
was  converted  to  God.  His  dawning  manhood  witness- 
ed and  entered  into  the  new  order  ot  things,  and  the 
principal  actors  were  his  instructors  or  his  cherished 
friends  and  advisers.  He  carried  with  him  through 
life  many  of  the  best  elements  of  both  periods.  His 
piety  was  strongly  marked  and  experimental  in  its 
character.  He  had  great  fondness  and  aptitude  for  the 
work  of  the  home  missionary  and  colporter,  while  he  was 
equally  happy  and  successful  in  the  settled  life  of  the  pas- 
tor. He  had  all  the  earnestness  of  manner  and  plainness 
of  speech  of  the  fathers,  with  the  study  and  research  of  a 
later  day. 

The  promotion  of  education,  especially  among  the  rising 


KEY.    J.   L.   PRICHARD.  23 

ministry,  was  one  of  the  primary  objects  of  the  Conven- 
tion. At  its  first  session  two  young  brethren  were  receiv- 
ed as  beneficiaries  and  sent  to  schools  of  established  repu- 
tatioD.  At  the  second  session  a  committee  of  which  Rev. 
W.  Hooper,  D.  D.,  L.  L.  D.,  was  Chairman,  recommended 
the  purchase  of  a  suitable  farm  and  the  establishment  of  a 
school  for  young  men  "  on  the  manual  labor  principle." 
The  plan  was,  to  allow  the  young  men  to  work  a  certain 
number  of  hours  each  day  at  a  stipulated  price.  It  was 
hoped  that  many  would  thus  be  enabled  to  secure  the  ad- 
vantages of  education,  who  would  otherwise  be  deprived  of 
them  forever.  It  was  thought  that  they  might  at  least  pay 
their  board  in  this  way. 

The  farm  was  purchased  and  in  183-1  Wake  Forest  Insti- 
tute went  into  operation  under  the  supervision  of  Dr. 
Wait. 

In  may  1834,  Rev.  John  Armstrong  took  the  field  as 
agent  of  the  Institute.  On  one  of  his  trips  through  the 
Eastern  part  of  the  State  he  made  the  acquaintance  of  Mr. 
Prichard,  then  working  as  a  carpenter  with  his  brother. 
He  became  interested  in  the  young  man,  drew  from  him 
his  short,  sad  history,  his  desires,  his  poverty,  his  hopes,  his 
fears.  Mr.  Armstrong  related  a  portion  of  his  own  history 
— told  him  how  through  his  childhood  and  youth  he  toiled 
in  poverty  and  obscurity  at  the  trade  of  a  tinner,  and  how 
by  perseverance  and  the  favor  of  God  he  had  risen  to  the 
position  which  he  then  occupied — and  his  listener  at 
length  promised  to  go  to  the  Institute  after  he  had  finished 
the  house  on  which  he  and  his  brother  were  then  engaged. 
That  house  is  still  standing  and  there  are  those  yet  living 
who  remember  the  hour  when,  his  work  completed,  he 
threw  down  his  hammer,  saying  in  his  emphatic  way, 
"  This  is  my  last  job  here.  lam  now  going  to  school," 
Some  of  his  companions  in  study  and  labor  also  remember 


24  MEMOIR   OF 

his  arrival  at  the  Institute  at  night,  with  his  scanty  ward- 
robe, his  tools  and  such  books  as  he  had  been  able  to 
gather  together. 

He  entered  the  Institution  about  the  middle  of  1835. 
Here  new  employments  and  new  trials  awaited  him.  He 
was  to  retain  his  old  habits  to  some  extent,  for  he  had  little 
money  and  on  the  labor  of  his  hands  depended  the  one 
cherished  purpose  of  his  heart.  Yet  for  a  part  of  each  day 
he  must  be  another  man,  must  change  his  habits  and  be- 
come a  student — no  easy  ta<k  certainly.  The  history  of  his 
inner  life  at  this  period  would  be  interesting  and  profitable. 
Unfortunately  he  has  left  behind  him  few  memorials  of 
its  struggles  and  triumphs;  and  we  must  judge  of  it  by 
the  fntits  which  afterwards  appeared  and  by  the  state- 
ments of  his  teachers  and  his  fellow  students.  That  he 
faithfully  attended  to  his  studies  is  evident  from  the  accu- 
racy and  extent  of  his  knowledge  in  later  years  and  the 
habits  which  he  carried  with  him  to  the  close  of  his  life. 
Few  men  had  a  larger  fund  of  general  information.  Few 
preachers  are  more  careful  in  their  preparation  for  the  pul- 
pit. This  wouki  not  have  been  the  case  liad  he  not  laid  a 
.o^ood  foundatiou  while  he  was  a  student  at  Wake  Forest. 

1  hat  he  worked  with  his  hands  is  also  well  known. 
Even  the  vacations  brought  no  rest  for  him.  They  were 
precious  seasons,  however,  as  by  plying  his  trade  through 
their  brief,  fleeting  days  and  weeks  he  was  enabled  to  earn 
something  with  which  to  meet  the  expenses  of  the  next 
session.  During  one  of  these  vacations  lie  laid  the  floor  of 
the  dining-room  of  the  Institute  ;  and  there  are  some  hou- 
ses still  standing,  monuments  of  his  earnestness  and  con- 
scientiousness. He  tenderly  loved  his  mother  and  sisters. 
Yet  he  visited  chem  but  twice  during  his  college  course. 
Time  and  money  were  too  precious  to  be  diverted  from  the 
great  object  which  he  had  in  view. 


HEV.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  25 

College  life  is  usually  a  trying  season  to  the  young 
christian.  Many  who  are  consistent  and  active  servants 
of  the  Master  at  home,  are  either  silent  amid  the  unholy 
revelry  of  gay  companions  or  are  drawn  with  them  into 
the  paths  of  folly  t^nd  sin.  Not  so  with  Mr.  Prichard. 
There  was  no  decline  in  his  spirituality,  no  irregularity  in 
his  private  devotions,  no  neglect  of  his  public  duties.  In 
the  Sabbatli  school  and  the  prayer-meeting  he  always  bore 
his  part.  More  than  once  during  his  stay  there,  the  In- 
stitute was  visited  with  revivals  of  religion.  During  tliese 
gracious  seasons  there  was  no  one  whose  counsel  'ind  sym- 
pathy and  prayers  were  more  eagerly  fought  tlian  those  of 
Mr.  Prichard. 

The  following  testimonials  concerning  him  at  this  period 
of  his  life  will  be  read  with  interest.  Dr.  Wait,  his  vener- 
ated instructor  and  friend,  writes  : 

"  It  is  but  just  to  state  that  from  the  comniencemont  of 
his  course  of  study  at  Wake  Forest,  he  was  the  christian 
student.  He  seemed  never  to  forget  that  he  had  conse- 
crated himselt  to  God  in  baptism  ;  that  he  was  not  his 
own;  that  he  had  been  bought  with  a  price  and  m.ust 
therefore  glorify  God  in  both  body  and  spirit.  Hence  in 
all  his  exhibitions  in  the  chapel,  whether,  in  tlie  earlier 
part  of  his  course,  he  used  for  declamation  the  thoughts  of 
another,  or  whether,  when  farther  advanced,  he  used  only 
original  compositions,  he  was  sure  to  say  souietliing  in  fa- 
vor of  religion. 

From  a  circustance  which  I  have  heard  him  relate  more 
than  once  in  the  course  of  our  long  acquaintance,  i  think 
he  did  not  decide  that  it  was  his  duty  to  preach  the  gospel 
till  near  the  close  of  his  college  course,  fie  ;ind  a  class- 
mate, who  also  entered  the  ministry,  had  charge  of  a  Sab- 
bath school  about  one  mile  from  the  college  for  two  years 
On  the  occasion  referred  to  they  closed  the  school  with  an 
address  and  prayer.  Our  departed  brother  informed  me 
that  while  speaking  to  the  children,  some  of  them  very 
small,  he  often  saw  the  starting  tear,  and  other  indication's 
2 


26  MEMOIR   OF 

that  what  he.  said  was  un  lerstood    and  felt.     This   ci'c'um- 
stance  settled  the  point.     He  felt  that  he  must  preach." 

Prof.  W.  T.   Brooks,  who  was   his    intimate  friend  then 
and  through  life,  writes  : 

"  He  came  here  when  the  cnanuai  labor  system  was  in 
operation,  expecting  to  work  his  way  through  college. 
And  this  he  strove  to  do,  using  his  plane  and  saw  a  part 
of  the  tinie,  and  poring  over  his  books  when  not  thus  e;»- 
g^.ged.  His  progress  was  rapid,  lor  he  knew  the  value  of 
time  and  thirsted  for  knowledge  He  was  universally  es- 
teemed by  his  fellow-btudents.  All  had  confid  nee  in  him 
as  a  christian,  and  in  difficulties  many  acmght  his  advice. 
The  younger  students  looked  up  to  him  as  to  an  dder 
brother  and  always  found  him  ready  to  sympathize  with 
them  in  ti'ouble  or  to  redress  their  w^rongs.  He  was  al- 
ways on  the  side  of  good  order  and  his  iniiuence  in  this 
particular  was  most  happy. 

His  efforts  to  sustain  himself  by  his  own  exertions  were 
not  entirely  successful,  even  while  the  manual  labor  .system 
was  retained.  It  was  abolished  before  the  coujpletion  of 
his  course  and  then  he  was  reduced  to  great  straits  by 
want  of  funds.  But  the  Hand  that  had  led  him  thus  far 
sustained  him  in  this  season  of  trial.  A  friend  w1k.>  sus- 
sui^pected  his  condition  came  forw^ard  voluntarily  and  re- 
lieved him.  This  difficulty  returned  at  intervals  till  near 
the  close  of  his  stay  here  when  the  Board  of  the  Conven- 
tion gave  him  such  assistance  as  he  needed." 

The  following  letter  throws  light  on^the  statement  of 
Prof.  Brooks : 

Wake  Forkst  Institute,  Feb.  8th,  1837- 

DearSir: — 1  trust  I  shall  find  an  excuse,  in  your  kind 
feelings,  for  the  HI  erty  1  take  in  addressing  you.  From  a 
conversation  I  had  this  afternoon  with  Professor  Arm- 
strong, I  am  induced  to  believe  that  a  communication  from 
me  would  not  be  altogether  unexpected  by  you.  -^ 

I  have  always  felt  an  unquenchable  thirst  for  knowledge 
and  have  been  w'liiirg  to  make  any  sacrifice  to  obtain  it : 


REV.   J.   L.    PRICHARD.  27 

but  my  very  limited  pecuniary  means  have  presented  ob- 
stacles, wh'cli  I  have  never  been  able  to  overcome.  When 
the  Wake  Forest  Institute  was  put  in  operation,  a  new 
hope  sprung  up  in  my  bosom.  I  persuaded  myself  that 
I  should  be  able  by  my  labor  to  meet  the  expen- 
ses of  an  education.  With  this  view,  1  entered  the  In- 
stitute about  two  years  ago.  But  alas!  my  iiopes  have 
been  disappointed.  I  am  now  in  debt  to  the  Institute,  and 
my  labor  is  far  from  being  adequate  to  meet  my  expenses. 
My  immediate  relatives,  you  knoA^,  are  poor,  and  where  to 
look  for  aid,  but  to  yourself,  1  know  not.  I  am  now  in  the 
College  department  and  have  lour  years  to  remain  before 
I  can  graduate.  Must  I  now  give  up  all  hope  ot  an  educa- 
tion 'i  The  very  idea,  to  me,  is  as  bitter  as  the  dying 
struggle.  Will  you  be  my  kind  friend?  With  the  bless- 
ing of  God  upon  me,  you  shall  not  lose,  by  your  kindness, 
one  cent.  I  am  persuaded  ihat  I  shall  be  able  lo  return 
with  interest  all  that  my  education  may  require,  within 
eighteen  months  after  I  shall  have  graduated.  I  am  now 
in  debt  to  the  Institute,  $116.27.  If,  in  addition  to  this 
sum,  I  can  obtain  $100  a  yaav  for  four  years,  I  shall  ob- 
tain the  most  ardent  wish  of  my  heart.  I  shall  make  my 
labor  help  me  inprocurin^i  clothes  and  books.  Dear  sir, 
will  you  befriend  me?  Will  you  become  the  most  valuable 
friend  I  can  have  on  earth  ?  O  sir,  I  shall  be  bound  to  you 
by  an  affection  that  can  never  can  cool,  by  gratitude  that 
never  can  change. 

With  profound  respect,  &c. 

J  NO.  L.  PKICHARD. 

Little  need  be  added  to  the  extracts  and  to  the  letter 
whicli  are  given  above.  Briet  as  they  are,  they  contain 
volumes.  They  set  before  us  the  picture  ot  an  earnest 
young  man  engaged  in  the  pursuit  of  knowledge  under  the 
most  serious  difficulties  and  embarrassments.  A  stern 
sense  of  duty  and  a  burning  desire  to  rise  in  the  scale  of 
intelligence  and  usefulness  urging  him  forward ;  poverty 
standing,  like  a  lion  grim  and  gaunt,  in  his  path  to  turn 
him  back.     The  story  of  those  years — that  struggle  with 


28  MEMOIR   OF 

the  mind  so  often  recurring,  the  effort,  so  often  made  and 
at  last  successful,  to  gain  the  mastery  over  it ;  those  hours 
and  days  of  severe  physical  labor,  when  the  thoughts 
would  steal  away  from  the  plane  and  saw  and  hammer  to 
the  text-book  and  the  approaching  recitation ;  the  careful 
husbanding  of  money,  and  the  intense  anxiety  and  the  ago- 
nizing prayer  when  it  was  all  gone  ;  the  overwhelming  joy 
and  thankfulness  when  relief  came  unexpectedly  ;  the 
temptation  to  give  up  ;  the  bitter  feeling,  so  often  repress- 
ed but  so  often  returning,  as  young  men  more  favored 
passed  his  place  of  trial  with  laugh  and  song  and  jest; 
the  steady  pursuit  of  the  object,  notwithstanding  these 
things,  and  the  final  triumph  ;— this  if  it  could  be  written 
would  make  a  volutne  of  thrilling  interest,  and  one  full  of 
instruction  and  encouragement  to  many  in  all  parts  of  the 
land. 

All  through  this  trying  period.  Prof.  Armstrong  was  his 
friend  and  counsellor.  Others  sympathized  with  him  in 
his  struggles  and  sorrows,  and  advanced  money  from  time 
to  time.  The  kindness  was  remembered  with  fervent 
gratitude  and  the  money  was  returned  with  scrupulous  ex- 
actness. 

There  is  little  reason  to  doubt  that  the  trials  that  beset 
Mr.  Prichard,  during  his  college  life,  were  eminently  sanc- 
tified in  preparing  him  for  more  extensive  usefulness  in 
his  Master's  service.  They  proved  a  wholesome  discipline, 
by  which  he  learned  to  sympathize  with  the  sons  of  pov- 
erty and  toil,  and  especially  with  such  young  men  as  were 
compelled  to  wade  through  difficulties  in  their  educational 
course.  Then  too  he  was  the  better  fitted  for  the  peculiar 
trials  of  the  ministry.  He  had  learned  during  his  college 
life  to  endure  hardness  as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ,  so 
that  no  privations  or  sacrifices  were  sufficient  to  deter  him 
from  the  prosecution  of  what  he  conceived  to  be  his  duty. 


REV.    J.    L.   PRICHARD.  29 

In  this  aspect  of  the  subject,  he  was  always  accustomed  in 
later  years  to  recognize  the  trials  of  his  student  life  as  a  part 
of  his  training  necessary  to  his  proper  entrance  upon  the 
Qveat  work  before  him. 

The  period  was  now  reached  when  the  privations  and 
toils  of  several  years  were  to  be  repaid  by  the  completion 
of  the  collegiate  course.  In  1840  he  graduated  with  honor 
to  himself,  and  to  the  institution  of  which  he  was  a  mem- 
ber. With  buoyant  heart  he  stepped  forth  from  the  halls 
of  recitation,  not  to  recline  on  abed  of  ease  or  to  luxuriate 
in  the  pleasures  of  social  life,  or  even  to  gratify  his  taste 
and  increase  his  general  knowledge  of  men  and  things  by 
travel,  but,  to  labor  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord. 


CHAPTER  III. 
Removal  to  Murfreesboro,  IS'orth  Carolina — LxVbors  in 
THE  School  Room — Yisit  -io  N^lton-  Prkachtng  in 
North  Carolina  and  Yirginia — Rev.  John  Kerr — 
Settlkment  in  Danville — Ordination — Marriage — 
Extensive  Labors — Revival — Protracted  Meeting  at 
Bethany — Constitution  of  Bethany  Church — Roanoke 
Association — Influence  in  Favor  of  Missions — Ex- 
tracts FROM  Letters. 

We  have  seen  Mr.  Pricbard  a  child  in  the  seclusion  of 
his  early  home  ;  a  youth,  laboring  at  his  trade  through  all 
the  years  of  bis  apprenticeship  ;  a  student,  striving  to  ob 
tain  the  mastery  of  himself  and  to  acquire  that  knov.  ledge 
and  those  habits  ^lii'-ii  would  fit  him  for  usefulness  in  after 
life,  and  waging  all  the  while  a  fierce  warfare  witb  pov- 
erty. His  faithfulness,  earnestness,  and  unwavering  fixed- 
ness of  purpose  and  his  final  triumph  have  been  set  forth  in 
the  preceding  pages.  We  are  now  to  contemplate  him  in 
the  arena  of  real  life,  where  so  many  who  start  with  greater 
advantages  and  fairer  prospects  either  tail  ingloriously  or 
fall  far  short  of  egoal  to  which  their  own  ambition  and 
the  fond  hopes  of  admiring  friends  point  them. 

With  that  foresight  which  stern  experience  bad  made 
habitual  to  him  he  had  been  looking  out  f<>i'  a  field  of  la- 
bor before  the  completion  of  his  college  course.     At    one 


REV.   J.   L.    PRICHARD.  31 

time  li  is  tlionglits  were  directed  to  the  great  West  which 
was  then  attracting  so  many  of  the  unfortunate  and  the 
advcDturous  from  the  Atlantic  States.  But  God  had  al- 
ready prepared  a  place  for  him  in  a  region  nearer  his  old 
home. 

As  already  no'eJ,  he  graduated  in  June,  1840,  and  in 
July  of  the  same  year  became  tlie  principal  of  a  large  school 
in  Murfreesboro.  His  health,  impaii'od  by  the  laix^rs  and 
trials  through  whicli  he  had  pasi^ed  while  at  Wake  Forest, 
required  rest  and  recreation,  but  some  debts  necessarily 
contracted  during  his  stuilent-life  rendered  idlene  is,  evin 
for  a  short  time,  an  impossibility  with  him.  These  debts 
must  be  paid.  Tie  could  not  even  give  himselt  wholly  to 
the  ministry,  which  he  had  now  derided  to  enter,  till  this 
was  done.  The  thought  of  dependence,  oi"  of  placing  him- 
self in  a  position  which  might  in  any  way  compromise  or 
tarnish  his  rei)utation  for  honesty  he  conld  not  brook  for  a 
moment.  From  his  purpose  to  discliarge  his  pecuniary 
obligations  fully  and  promptly,  nothing  could  divert  him. 
Several  situations  which  would  have  been  eagei'ly  accepted 
by  men  of  less  conscientiousness  and  devotion  to  principle 
were  offered  him,  but  he  resolutely  though  respectfully 
declined  them. 

He  remained  in  Murfreesboro  a  year,  devoting  himself 
to  his  school  during  the  week  and  preaching  as  opportuni- 
ties were  presented  in  the  surrounding  country  on  the  Sal»- 
bath.  Arrangements  had  been  made  to  spend  still  another 
year  in  this  place,  but  the  field  prepared  for  him  by  Provi- 
dence and  already  white  unto  harvest  was  awaiting  him 
and  to  it  he  must  go.  Failing  health  compelled  him  at 
last  to  seek  recreacion  in  the  up-countiy.  While  in  Ral- 
eigh, with  this  object  in  view,  in  July  1841,  he  foimed  the 
acquaintance  of  N.  J.  Palmer,  Esq..  of  Milton,  for  many 
years  one  of  the  most  liberal  and  active  Baptists  of  North 


32  MEMOIR   OF 

Carolina.  He  invited  Mr.  Pritcliard  to  his  liome  and  tlie 
invitation  was  accepted.  He  remained  several  weeks  in 
the  beantiful  and  healthful  rei^ion  adjacent  to  Milton,  en- 
joying the  lavish  and  genial  hospitality  everywhei-e  ex- 
tended to  hirn  and  preaching  every  Sabbath.  He  went  to 
Danville,  Ya.,  among  other  places,  and  there  formed  the 
acquaintance  of  Rev.  John  Kerr.  That  venerable  servant 
of  God,  burdened  with  the  weight  of  years  and  desiring  to 
be  relieved  of  the  active  ducies  of  the  ministry,  urged  Mr. 
Prichard  to  remove  to  Danville,  become  an  inmate  of  his 
house  and  accept  the  care  of  the  church  in  that  place. 
This  pressing  invitation,  enforced  by  eolicitations  from  ad- 
jacent communities  which  he  had  visited,  was  finally  ac- 
cepted. A  union  was  thus  formed  w4iich  continued  for 
years  and  was  attended  by  the  happiest  results.  Mr.  P. 
always  regarded  it  as  clearly  providential,  and  without 
donbt  his  opinion  was  correct. 

The  following  entries  in  his  diary,  the  earliest  that  have 
been  preserved,  will  now  be  intelligible  and  interesting  : 

MuRFREKSBORo,  N.  C.  July  29th,  ISttl. — To-day  my 
health  is  quite  feeble  and  1  have  some  very  arduous  duties 
to  discharge.  It  is  the  day  of  my  examination.  ^''  '^  * 
At  nine  o'clock  the  bell  was  rung,  and  at  ten  the  exercise*^ 
commenced.  House  tilled  to  overflowing.  xVll  acquitted 
themselves  with  much  credit.  Afternoon — congregation 
still  larger.  Finished  ouj-  examination  and  closed  with  de- 
clamation and  dialogues,  amid  the  applause  of  all  pi'esent. 
Thns  ended  the  first  year  of  my  teaching — thus  ended  my 
toils.  But  that  which  pleased  me  most  was,  that  I  had 
given  satisfaction  to  those  who  had   patronized  my  school. 

Friday,  30th. — To-day  1  have  rest  and  the  pleasure  of 
the  company  of  my  sister  L.  Commenced  making  ar- 
rangements for  going  up  the  country. 

3  1st. — Attended  meeting  at  Parker's  with  Bro.  Thomp- 
son. Two  received  for  baptism.  Remarks  made  in  be- 
half of  the  BiiiLicAL  Record p:r. 


REV.    J.    L.   PRICHARD.  33 

AuausT  1st. — Attended  Sabbath  School  for  the  last  time 
this  season,  perhaps  forever.     Attended  preaching. 

3rd — Thi^  morning  bade  ray  dear  sister  an  atfectionate 
farewell.  Felt  deeply  affected.  'Tis  'hard  to  part  from 
those  whom  we  dearly  love.  At  2  o'clock  I  left  M.  for 
Boykin's  Depot. 

5th.— Reached  the  College.     Health  improved. 

6th. — Spent  the  day  in  visiting  my  old  lYiends — families 
and  students.     Much  pleased  and  refreshed. 

15th. — In  Raleigh.  Endeavored  to  preach  in  the  Bap- 
tist Church  in  the  forenoon  and  afternoon,  also  to  colored 
people. 

22d  at  Hillsboro.  Much  fatigued — quite  unwell.  At- 
tended the  Episcopal  and  Presbyterian  churches. 

23d. — Feel  much  better.  Oh,  that  I  could  feel  more 
thankful.  Lord  help  me  more  fully  to  appreciate  all  thy 
blessings. 

25th. — Spent  the  day  principally  in  reading  Scott's 
letters.  Yery  interesting.  Borrowed  Hall's  works. — 
Read  his  sermon  on  the  death  of  the  Princess  Charlotte. 
Beyond  my  praise. 

27th. — Felt  better  this  morning.  After  preaching  at 
night  in  the  Methodist  church  from  Mark,  1:  15,  left 
Hillsboro  for  Milton.  On  arriving  at  brother  ~N.  J.  Pal- 
mer's, was  kindly  received  by  Mrs.  P.,  his  good  lady. 
Felt  that  I  was  with  a  friend  and  endeavored  to  return 
my  thanks  to  God  for  his  protecting  care,  in  givaig  me 
journeying  mercies  and  placing'  me  among  friends.  0 
that  I  could  feel  and  act  as  God's  oroodness.  lono^-suffer- 
ing  and  unbounded  love  justly  require  of  me  !  Lord, 
help  me  by  thy  grace  and  the  influences  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit  to  dedicate  myself  unreservedly  to  thy  service — to 
do  thy  will  and  enjoy  thy  smile. 

28th. — Feel  quite  feeble  after  my  ride.  Took  a  short 
walk  in  the  town.  Looked  at  all  1  saw  as  a  stranger  and 
sojourner,  as  I  really  am  and  as  all  my  fathers  were. — 
Unwell  in  the  evening.  Retired  early,  with  thoughts  of 
home  and  friends  far  away. 

29th, — Endeavord  to  preach  for  the  people  in  the  Meth- 
odist church,  from,  "  Lay  up  for  yourselves  treasures  in 


34  MEMOIR   OF 

Heaven  &c.  &c."  A  laro^e  and  attentive  congregation.  In 
the  afternoon  went  to  hear  Mr.  H.  (Presbyterian)  preach 
the  first  time  in  Milton. 

30th. — Spent  the  d'dv  visiting,".  Took  tea  with  Sister 
.  Passed  tlie  time  conversing  on  several  relig- 
ious subjects  and  listening  to  music  sweet  enough  to 
charm  and  captivate  the    hardest  heart. 

1st. — Weather  beautiful.  Health  somewhat  improv- 
ing. Rode  with  brother  P.  in  the  country  to  visit  Mrs. 
Y.,  a  Baptist.  At  night  preached  at  the  Methodist  church. 
Text,  "  If  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny 
himself,  &c.'' 

Sept.  3 1st. — My  health  is  certainly  improving.  Broth- 
er P  and  I.  dined  with  Dr.  G.  I  was  much  pleased  with 
my  visit. 

2nd. — Went  to  Yanceyville,  a  delightful  village.  Ev- 
erything has  the  appearance  of  wealth,  refinement  and 
taste.  Stayed  witli  brother  J.  G — .  Preached  at  night 
in  the  Baptist  church.  Text^  "  What  must  I  do  to  be 
saved  ?" 

3d. — Left  Yanceyville;  went  to  Gilead  and  preached. 
Text,  "The  men  of  Ninevah  shall  rise,  &c.,  &c.-'  Some 
seriousness  appeared  in  the  congregation.  I  was  glad  I 
went  to  Gilead.  Promised  to  preach  there  again  on  the 
11th.     Returned  to  Milton. 

4th. — Rested  to  be  prepared  to  preachy  on  Sabbath. 

5th. — Morning  bright.  Health  better.  Brother  P. 
and  I  went,  on  horseback,  to  Sandy  Creek  M.  H.,  Pitt- 
sylvania, Co.,  Va. 

It  appears  that  this  ride  to  Sandy  Creek  was  his  first 
visit  to  Virginia.  Here  commenced  a  train  of  influences 
which  was  beneficially  to  affect  the  cause  of  Christ  in  the 
Old  Dominion.  God  was  thus  leading  him  into  a  field 
where  a  rich  harvest  of  souls  was  to  be  gathered,  to  the 
honor  of  Jesus.  lie  thus  continues  his  reference  to  the 
visit  to  Sandy  Creek  : 

"  Ascertaining  that  the  ordinance  of  baptism  was  to  be 
administered,  we  went  to  the  spot,  and  saw  a  man  and 


BEV.   J.   L.   PEICHARD.  35 

his  companion  follow  their  Lord  and  M  ister,  ^'  down  in- 
to the  water,'  and  ^'come  up  straip;hrwiy  out  of  the 
water."  A  larore  concourse  of  people  present.  Nearly- 
all  strangers.  From  the  water  we  went  to  the  church, 
where  I  preached  from  2  Cor.  v  :  20,  21,  to  a  very  atten- 
tive and  serious  audience.  Brother  Piunkett  followed. 
Text,  "  Mary  hath  chosen  that  good  part.  &c."  Became 
acquainted  with  several  precious  hretliren.  We  then 
went  to  Danville.  The  bell  soon  rang  and  we  went  to 
church,  where  I  preached  from  Luke,  18  :  1,  to  a  very 
attentive  congregation.     Beturned  much  fatigued, 

6th. — Morning  beautiful.  Returned  thanks  to  God, 
and  prayed  for  the  continuance  of  his  blesvings  both 
temporal  and  spiritual.  Made  several  calls  and  was  ear- 
nestly solicited  by  all  to  stay  and  preach  that  night;  but 
we  had  to  bid  them  adieu.  Ah  !  this  is  the  lot  of  all  here. 
We  meet  but  to  part.  Well,  it  is  right,  and  we  will  not 
complain.  But  these  f»'iends  shall  all  have  a  place  in  my 
memory  ;  yes,  always." 

Liieially  were  those  words  fulfilled.  The  mutual  at- 
tachment commenced  during  this  visit  continued  through 
his  life,  and  his  memory  is  green  in  the  hearts  of  the  peo- 
ple of  this  section.     He  thus  continues  his  diary  : 

'^Keturned  to  Milton  quite  fatigued.  I  am  tar  away 
from  " /iomg,"  but  I  thank  the  Lord  he  has  given  me 
friends,  wherever  my  lot  has  been  cast.  Am  exceedingly 
anxious  to  hear  from  home.  Hope  I  shall  soon  receive 
letters. 

11th. — Arose  early  to  attend  meeting  at  Kentuck,  Pitt- 
sylvania Co.,  Va.,  12  miles  disti^<nt.  Preached  from  Gal. 
n:  20.     Some  indications  of  a  work  of  grace. 

12th. — Went  to  church,  where  we  found  a  large  congre- 
gation, which  the  house  could  not  hold.  I  preached  from 
Heb.  IV :  16  and  a  more  attentive  assembly  I  never  saw. 
They  crowded  the  doors  and  windows.  A  collection  was 
taken  in  my  behalf.  Many  thanks  to  uhem.  I  went  home 
with  brother  W.,  of  Danville,  and  saw  brother  Kerr  for 
the  first  time.  Preached  at  night.  *'  If  any  man  will 
come  after  me,  &c.^  &c." 


36  MEMOIR   OF 

13th. — Went  to  brother  Kerr's  and  spent  the  day  most 
agreeably  with  brother  Kerr  and  his  wife,  an  amiable 
pair.  Earnestly  solicited  by  brother  Kerr  to  come  and 
settle  in  this  region  and  preach,  with  an  assurance  of  hav- 
ing plenty  to  do,  and  being  well  sustained." 

iiere  the  journal  is  interrupted  and  we  find  no  more 
from  his  pen  till  after  his  settlement  in  Danville,  where 
he  was  invited  to  preach  Nov.,  1841,  and  was  ordained, 
March,  1842.  At  this  time  he  became  pastor  of  the 
church. 

In  September,  1842,  Mr.  P.  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Mary  B.  Hinton,  daughter  of  Jas.  Ilinton,  of  Wake 
county,  N.  C.  This  devotedly  pious  lady  was  indeed  a 
help  meet  to  him  and  a  blessing  to  the  community  in 
which  she  lived. 

For  some  time,  both  before  and  after  his  marriage,  he 
boarded  in  the  family  of  Rev.  John  Kerr,  who  had  been 
one  of  the  instruments  of  inducing  his  settlement  in  Dan- 
ville, and  for  whom  he  ever  entertained  a  profound  respect 
and  a  strong  affection.  He  often  acknowledged  his  indebt- 
edness to  this  aged  minister  for  many  valuable  lessons. 

Until  the  death  of  Mrs  P.,  her  two  youngest  sisters, 
left  orphans  at  an  early  age,  were  members  of  the  family 
and  were  always  regarded  and  treated  by  Mr.  P.  as  his 
daughters.  The  tender  solicitude  of  their  sister  and  her 
husband  was  rewarded  in  their  early  conversion.  The 
elder  of  the  two  was  baptized  by  Mr.  P.  in  Danville, 
when  but  fifteen  years  of  age. 

Mr.  P's  labors  while  in  Danville  were  very  arduous. 
Preaching  at  points  widely  separated,  he  necessarily 
spent  much  time  in  journeying  on  horseback  to  his  differ- 
ent churches,  and,  being  very  generally  known,  he  was 
fiequently  called  on  to  officiate  at  funerals  and  weddings 
and  to  attend   protracted  meetings  in    the    surrounding 


EEY.  J.  L    PKICHARD.  37 

counties.  He  here  commenced  what  he  continued 
through  life,  the  distribution  of  religious  books  and  pe- 
riodicals. He  was  in  every  sense  of  the  word  a  colporteur 
before  that  office  was  recognized  in  the  religious  world. 
The  bills  containing  long  lists  of  books  purchased  and 
sold  or  distributed  by  him^  found  among  his  papers,  show 
the  amount  of  labor  he  performed  in  this  way. 

His  influence  and  usefulness  steadily  increased,  and  the 
last  year  of  his  residence  in  Danville  was  marked  by  a 
most  gracious  and  extensive  revival  ut'  religion.  Not  con- 
fined to  the  Baptist  church  it  embraced  all  denominations 
and  the  union  and  christian  fellowship  existing  during  the  six 
weeks  oi  its  continuance  will  never  be  forgotten  by  any 
who  were  present.  Many  were  added  to  the  various 
churches  in  town  who  have  proved  valuable  members  and 
who  still  live  in  various  places,  bearing  evidence  to  the 
faithful  instructions  of  this  minister  of  Jesus. 

In  1842  he  commenced  preaching  at  Bethany,  a  few 
miles  from  Danville.  In  September,  1843,  he  held  a  pro- 
tracted meeting  at  that  place  which  resulted  in  the  conver- 
sion of  more  than  one  hundred  persons  and  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  a  church  which  remains  to  this  day.  A  gentleman 
who  was  one  of  the  first  fruits  of  this  revival  and  who  has 
been  an  able  and  useful  minister  of  the  New  Testament 
for  many  years,  says  :  "  I  well  lemember  the  first  Sabbath 
of  the  meeting.  There  was  a  vast  concourse  of  people 
in  attendance.  The  body  of  the  house,  the  aisles, 
the  doors,  the  windows,  and  every  point  from  which  the 
preacher's  voice  could  be  heard,  were  crowded  and  still 
many  were  unable  to  gain  admittance  or  to  hear.  After 
the  services  were  opened,  a  hoary-headed  but  irreligious 
man,  pressing  through  the  crowd,  begged  in  behalf  of  the 
congregation  that  the  preacher  would  occupy  a  stand  near 
the    door,  exclaiming  with   evident   emotion,  *Mr.  P.,  we 


38  MEMOIR  OF 

want  to  Iiear  the  Gospel.'  The  request  was  granted,  and 
as  Mr.  F.  arose  to  address  the  j^eople  he  remarked  that 
such  a  hungering  and  thirsting  after  the  glorious  gospel  of 
the  blessed  God  tilled  his  soul  with  an  overwhelming  sense 
of  the  Divine  presence,  and  but  for  the  hope  that  his  hum- 
ble efforts  would  be  blessed  to  the  good  ot  sonls  he  could 
say  with  Simeon  of  old,  '  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thj  ser- 
vant depart  in  peace,  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salva- 
tion.' The  audience  was  melted  to  tears  and  many  dated 
their  tirst  serious  convictions  from  the  services  of  tiiat  hour. 
At  the  close  of  the  meeting  a  church  was  organized  with 
a  membership  i)f  more  than  fifty,  from  which  number  God 
called  t\v )  y')uag  ni'^n  to  the  work  of  the  g)spul  ministry. 
Similar  results  atten  led  his  labors  with  ttio  other  caurches 
in  this  region." 

In  the  minuses  of  the  Roanoke  Association  for  1844,  we 
find  the  following : 

"  I2eso  ved,  Tiiat  Elder  John  L.  Prichard  be  requested 
to  explain  the  objects  of  the  General  Association  and 
make  a  collection  in  aid  of  its  funds  to-morrow." 

"Lord's  day.  Elder  Prichard  commenced  the  services 
of  the  day  with  a  sermon  from  Isaiah  53  :  5.  Elder  James 
followed  with  a  discourse  from  2  Cor.  4  :  1-2,  after  which 
Elder  P.  explained  the  objects  of  the  General  Association 
and  took  np  a  collection  amounting  to  $20.20." 

Again,  in  1845,  ''  Rev.  J.  L.  Prichard  laid  the  claims  of 
benevolent  societies  of  Yirginia  before  the  Association  and 
took  up  a  collection  amounting  to  $23.83." 

These  are  the  first  instances  in  which  specific  reference 
is  made  to  raising  funds  for  benevolent  purposes  in  this 
Association.  The  following  extract  from  the  writer  already 
quoted  will  enable  the  reader  to  understand  them  and  ap- 
preciate their  importance.  He  says,  "  While  Mr.  Prich- 
ard's  labors  here  were  greatly  blessed  in  the  conviction  and 


REV.  J.  L.  PKICHARD.  g9 

conversion  of"  sinners,  his  special  mission  lias  ever  seemed 
to  me  to  have  been  another,  which  if  not  so  pleasant  was 
scarcely  less  important.  Differences  of  opinion  had  divided 
the  Old  Roanoke  Association  into  the  JJui  River  and  Roa- 
noke Associations,  the  former  incorporating  in  her  constitu- 
tion the  obligation  resting  upon  tlie  churches  to  aid  in 
sendincr  the  gospel  to  the  heathen  ;  the  latter  denying  this 
obligation,  tliougli  some  of  the  leading  brethren  and  a  few 
of  the  church e.s  acknowledged  it.  The  honor  of  revolu- 
tionizing thi-;  important  and  influential  Association,  the 
Roanoke,  was  conferred  on  J.  L.  Pri chard.  At  the  first 
session  of  the  body  which  he  attended  hf^  introduced  reso- 
lutions in  favor  of  Foreign  Missions.  They  were  voted 
down  He  then  announced  that  he  would  present  the 
claimb  of  the  enterprise  and  take  up  a  collection  on  the 
Sabbath.  The  dissociation  objected.  He  replied  that  he 
would  not  in  any  way  compromise  the  body,  but  it  was 
his  duty  as  well  as  his  inalienable  right  to  do  whatever  he 
could  to  extend  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  among  men,  and 
this  right  he  fchould  exercise  wherever  his  lot  might  be 
cast.  On  the  Sabbath,  therefore,  he  eloquently  presented 
the  chiims  of  Foreign  Missions  and  then  took  up  a  collec- 
tion, himseli  going  among  the  congregation  to  receive  their 
contributions.  Many  who  have  since  cast  their  hundreds 
into  the  treasury  of  the  Lord,  that  day  gave  their  first 
dime.  The  eli'ect  was  wonderful.  Public  opinion  was 
rapidly  revolutionized,  and  at  subsequent  sessions  of  the 
body  the  resolutions  which  are  given  above  were  unani- 
mously ado[;ted.'' 

The  following   account  of  the  same  matter   is  from  the 
pen  of  Rev.  A.  M.  Poindexter,  D.  D. : 

"  As  a  member  of  the  Roanoke  Association,  he  at  once 
took  a  decided   stand  in   favor  of  the  cause  of  missions. 


40  MEMOIR  OF 

The  Association  had  long  been  disturbed  and  crippled  by 
Antinomianism.  To  escape  the  unpleasantness  and  injury 
resultino;  from  this,  twelve  churches  in  1840  asked  for  let- 
ters of  dismission,  and  formed  the  Dan  River  Association. 
The  vv^thdrawal  of  these  churches  did  not  bring  peace  to 
the  Eoanoke  Association.  The  Antinomians  had  repre- 
sented those  who  withdrew,  as  the  cause  of  all  disturbances. 
But  no  sooner  had  these  withdrawn,  than  they  determined 
to  force  from  the  position  of  neutrality,  into  their  own 
course,  the  remaining  churches.  Failing  in  this  they  with- 
drew and  formed  the  Staunton  Hiver  Association — a  de- 
cidedly Antinomian  body.  This  second  division  wdth  con- 
curring events,  tended  to  prepare  the  Association  for  the 
reception  of  liberal  views.  This  result  was  accelerated  by 
the  labors  of  Rev.  J.  J.  James,  who  for  a  time  preached 
statedly  at  Strait  Stone,  and  perhaps  elsewhere  within  the 
Association  ;  and  of  Rev.  Elias  Dodson,  who,  as  a  mission- 
ary of  the  General  Association,  sustained  by  the  Dan  River 
Association,  travelled  regularly  and  extensively  among  the 
churches;  and  the  occasional  labors  of  others.  But  at  the 
commencement  of  brother  Pricliard's  connection  with  the 
Association,  the  results  of  these  labors  were  but  little  seen. 
He  at  once  decided  upon  an  independent  course.  The  As- 
sociation met  at  Republican  Grove  in  the  spririg  of  1842. 
On  Lord's  day  he  addressed  the  assembly  en  behalf  of  mis- 
sions, stating  that  he  did  so  on  his  own  responsibility,  and 
should  give  to  any  who  might  wish  to  do  so,  an  opporut- 
nity  to  contribute.  After  an  earnest  appeal  he  requested 
brethren  to  pass  through  the  congregation  and  receive  con- 
tributions. It  was  done,  and  the  exercises  were  product- 
ive of  much  good  feeling.  This  course  he  pursued  at  each 
session  of  the  Association  until  the  fall  of  1844.  Then, 
thinking  opposition  sufficiently  overcome,  he  stated,  in  the 
session  on  Sunday,  that  he  had  enjoyed  the  honor  of  these 


REV.   J.   L.   PEICHARD.  41 

collections  as  long  as  he  desired,  and  now  wished  to  trans- 
fer it  to  the  Association,  and  proposed  that  they  order  a 
collection  to  be  taken  next  day.  It  was  agreed  to,  and 
from  that  time  the  Roanoke  Association  has  ranked  as  a 
missionary  body,  and  has  become  to  a  considerable  extent 
liberal." 

It  will  thus  be  seen  how  potent  for  good  w^as  his  influ- 
ence in  this  ancient  body  of  believers,  it  required  strong 
love  for  the  cause  of  missions,  and  a  strong  will  to  breast 
the  current  of  opposition  which  had  set  in  against  it.  Many 
of  the  opposers  w^ere  greatly  his  seniors,  and  were  held  in 
christian  regard  on  account  of  their  labors  in  the  ministry. 
But  he  believed  them  to  be  mistaken,  and  a  solemn  sense 
of  duty  to  the  heathen,  and  to  the  Author  of  the  great  com- 
mission, urged  him  on. 

What  renders  this  action  more  worthy  of  note  is  the 
fact,  that  the  Association  w^as  thus  led  back  to  the  practical 
acknowledgment  of  a  principle  which  had  been  dear  to 
the  able  men  who  were  active  in  its  earlier  history.  John 
Williams,  one  of  the  fathers  of  the  Koanoke  Association, 
referring  to  the  spread  of  the  gospel  in  Virginia,  about  the 
period  of  the  Revolution,  thus  expresses  himself:  "  May 
the  Divine  effusion  become  general,  and  the  blessed  Jesus 
go  forth  conquering  and  to  conquer,  until  his  name  and 
his  praise  be  one  in  all  the  earth."  John  Weatherford,  also 
a  minister  of  this  body,  and  who  in  1773  was  for  weeks  in 
prison  as  a  preacher  of  the  gospel,  evinced  the  same  spirit. 
When  Judson  went  to  Burmah  his  heart  was  greatly  elated, 
and  as  he  learned  the  story  of  his  labors  and  sufferings,  he 
expressed  the  liveliest  concern  for  his  success.  It  was  the 
privilege  of  Mr.  Prichard  to  become  the  instrument  of 
bringing  back  the  Association  to  the  recognition  of  that 
claim  which  looks  to  the  spread  of  the  gospel  in  heath- 
en, lands  and  which  had  been  opposed  or  ignored. 


42  MEMOIR  OF 

A  few  extracts  from  letters  written  by  him  during  the 
period  already  referred  to,  will  not  be  uninteresting. 

November,  2nd,  1841. 

"  My  health  has  not  been  so  good  for  five  years.  How 
thankful  I  leel  for  this.  I  had  a  very  pleasant  time  in 
Fayetteville.  I  remained  until  Sabbath  evening  and 
preached  every  day  to  a  large,  attentive  and  serious  con- 
gregation. Many  were  made  to  cry, ,  What  shall  I  do  to  be 
saved?'  Two  professed  hope  in  Christ  and  I  have  no  doubt 
there  were  others.  To  day  1  leave  Hillsboro  for  Milton. 
I  am  exceedingly  anxious  to  get  home.  Ko  place  so  sweet 
as  home." 

Danville,  Dec.  24th,  1841. 

"  My  health  has  been  unusually  good.  I  am  &s  pleasant- 
ly situated  as  I  could  wish.  I  receive  the  kindest  atten 
tions  from  all  classes.  There  is  a  most  excellent  feeling 
existing  among  all  the  different  churches  at  this  place.  I 
am  as  often  invited  to  the  houbcs  of  Presbyterians  and 
Methodists,  as  by  the  Baptist  brethren,  and  as  often  go." 

Danville,  May  9th,  1842. 
"  My  health  since  I  saw  you  has  been  unusually  good. 
I  feel  quite  confident  that  a  few  years  in  this  healtliy  and 
delightful  region  will  entirely  restore  my  health.  For 
this  I  feel  humbly  thankful.  My  mind  has  recently  been 
greatly  exercised  in  consequence  of  a  call  I  received  while 
in  Kaieigh  to  come  and  take  the  pastoral  charge  of  that 
long  neglected  church.  For  what  cause  I  cannot  tell,  my 
brethren  generally  and  the  church  unanimously  urge  me  to 
come  to  R.  They  seem  to  think  I  could  succeed  in  building 
up  a  church  in  that  place.  But  I  fear  they  are  mistaken 
in  this.  I  have  been  much  at  a  loss  to  know  how  to  decide. 
I  have  endeavored  to  make  it  a  subject  of  prayerful  con- 
sideration to  ascertain.  '  Lord  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to 
do?'  After  calm,  deliberate  consideration,  I  have  thought 
it  best  to  remain  where  I  am,  at  least  this  year,  or  until  cir- 
cumstances shall  seem  to  indicate  more  plainly  that  I 
ought  to  go.  I  dislike  the  idea  of  appearing  fickle  and 
unstable,  being  well  aware  that  much  of  a  man's  success 
in  life  depends  upon  his   strict  integrity  and  firmness   of 


rem.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  43 

prineiple.  It  is  a  high  compliment  paid  to  a  man,  when  it 
can  be  said  of  him  in  truth,  '  He  is  a  man  to  bo  relied  upon ; 
what  he  promises,  he  will  most  assuredly  perform.'  This 
is  the  character  I  have  long  been  endeavoring  to  form. 
How  well  I  have  succeeded  I  leave  for  others  to  judge. 
There  are  many  things  that  I  could  name,  which  have  in- 
duced me  to  remain  here.  This  is  certainly,  by  far  the 
most  healthy  region  of  country.  It  is  also  a  more  produc- 
tive and  plentiful  region.  Here  too  is  a  wide  and  inviting 
field  ot  usefulness.  I  know  of  no  position  of  ministerial  la- 
bor, that  promises  a  richer  harvest  of  precious  souls  to  a 
faithful  minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  than  that  in  which  I  am 
now  engaged.  '  The  fields  are  white  already  to  harvest.' 
And  the  cry  comes  from  many  more  places  than  I  can  pos- 
sibly attend,  '  Come  and  help  us ;'  '  Will  you  come  and 
preach  for  us  ?'  I  preach  every  Sunday  to  large  and  at- 
tentive congregations.  My  brethren  in  Ya.  say  that  they 
cannot  consent  for  me  to  leave  them.  They  oli'er  me  many 
inducements  to  staj^  and  co-operate  with  them. 

"  I  am  not  sure  that  I  shall  not  attend  the  General  As- 
sociation of  the  Baptists  of  Ya.,  to  be  held  in  the  city  of 
Eichmond  on  the  1st  Sabbath  in  June,  I  have  just  re- 
turned from  an  Association  held  in  Halifax  Co.,  Ya.,  where 
we  had  a  most  pleasant  meeting  and  where  I  greatly  en- 
larged the  circle  of  my  acquaintance.  1  am  solicited  to 
preach  at  Halifax  C.  H.     Probably  I  shalMo  so." 

Danville,  June  8th,  1842. 
"  I  received  your  deeply  aff*ecting  letter  on  the  19th.  I 
cannot  say  I  was  surprised  at  the  sad  intelligence  of  the 
death  of  your  affectionate  father.  Though  I  did  sincerely 
hope  that  he  might  again  recover  and  be  restored  to  the 
bosom  of  his  dear  family,  yet  I  knew  that  nothing  but  Di- 
vine interposition  could  bring  that  to  pass.  I  feel  that  I 
can  sympathize  with  you  and  your  dear  mother,  because  I 
know  by  sad  experience  what  it  is  to  lose  a  tender  and  af- 
fectionate father.  It  brings  atVesh  to  mind  the  grief  that 
wrung  my  young  heart,  and  the  tears  that  so  freely  flow- 
ed when  I  saw  one  of  the  best  of  fathers  laid  in  the  cold 
and  silent  grave.  It  affords  me  consolation  to  hear  you 
express  your  resignation  to  the  dispensation  of  that    All- 


44  MEMOIR  OF 

wise  and  good  Being.  'He  doth  not  afflict  willingly/ 
With  all  my  heart  I  adopt  your  yrayer,  that  '  it  may  prove 
a  blessing  to  each  of  our  souls.' 

The  following  extracts  speak  of  his  attendance  on  the 
General  A8SO<;iatioii  of  V'irginia,  from  whose  meetings  he 
was  rarely  absent. 

(to  his    wife.) 

June  4th,  1843. 

*'  We  arrived  in  Eichmond  about  4  P.  M.  ;  stopped  at  the 
Columbian  Hotel,  where  a  great  many  persons,  not  less 
than  one  hundred,  I  judge,  sat  down  at  once.  We  went  to 
the  Herald  office,  then  walked  about  some,  and  at  night 
attended  a  concert  of  sacred  music  at  the  Second  Baptist 
church.  The  music  was  delightful,  soul-enrapturing. 
They  had  several  instruments,  but  none  so  sweet  as  the 
human  voice. 

Friday  morning  the  Bible  Society  met  in  the  Second 
Church.  We  had  a  delightful  meeting,  several  very  good 
addresses,  full  of  thrilling  interest.  At  night  attended 
preaching.  We  were  invited  to  Brother  Crane's  and  are 
now  with  him.  He  has  a  very  pleasant  family.  Brother 
Stringfellow  is  staying  there  with  us  and  others. 

Saturday  morning  the  General  Association  convened. 
There  is  a  large  attendance.  I  do  not  know  the  number. 
Sabbath  was  a  delightful  day.  I  attended  Sabbath  School, 
was  delighted.  In  the  morning  heard  Andrew  Braadus 
preach — in  the  afternoon,  A.  McClay,  of  New  York.  At 
night,  Burrows,  of  Philadelphia.  Most  of  the  pulpits  of 
the  city  were  filled  by  Baptists.  I  have  never  ^een  any- 
thing to  equal  the  splendor  of  the  First  and  Second  Bap- 
tist churches.  They  were  filled  with  attentive  hearers. 
The  music  was  heavenly. 

I  do  not  regret  my  trip.  I  have  formed  many  acquain- 
tances. Am  much  pleased  with  the  Richmond  people; 
they  are  kind,  plain  and  hospitable.  There  is  among  them, 
I  think,  much  deep-toned  piety.  I  have  been  mostly  over 
the  city.  There  are  many  splendid  edifices,  the  "Ex- 
change "  particularly.  There  is  much  here  to  please  the 
eye,  delight  the  ear,  and  afifect  the  heart  for  good  and  for 
evil.     There  are  many  warring   elements.     Truth  and  er- 


EEV.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  45 

ror,  vice  and  virtue,  wordlj  mindediiess  and  heavenly 
mindedness,  each  striving  for  the  mastery.  God  grant  it 
to  virtue,  piety  and  godliness.  I  wish  some  of  our  Dan- 
ville friends  could  come  here,  and  see  that  they  are  not  the 
only  folks  in  the  world. 

To-day  we  meet  again;;  shall  adjourn  Wednesday,  I  think 
not  before.     My  health  was  never  better." 

The  next  meeting  of  the  Association  is  thus  referred  to: 

Richmond,  June  2d,  ISii. 

"  We  arrived  at  this  "  many-hilled  city,"  about  six  A. 
M.,  Friday.  Are  staying  at  Brother  Wortliarn's,  and  as 
comfortably  lodged  as  we  could  be.  At  11,  A.  M.,  Friday 
our  anniversaries  commenced.  The  American  and  Foreign 
Bible  Society  met  at  the  First  Church.  A  great  many 
delegates  had  arrived.  We  had  an  interesting  meeting. 
I  did  not  attend  church  at  night,  having  travelled  all  the 
night  before.  Saturday  the  General  A^^sociation  met. 
Brother  Hume,  of  Portsmouth,  preached  at  11,  A.  M  ,  an 
excellent  discourse  on  'The  want  of  spirituality  in  the 
church.'  Evening  session — very  interesting.  A  commit- 
tee beine;  appointed  to  say  where  the  next  meeting  of  this 
body  should  be  held,  Lynchburg,  Richmond  and  Peters- 
burg were  proposed.  On  this  question  several  speeches 
were  made.  The  question  beino^  taken,  it  was  decided  by 
a  large  majority  that  it  should  be  h(^ld  in  Lynchburg. 
Brother  Walker,  of  Hampton,  preached  the  Ediicrttion  ser- 
mon last  night — very  good.  This  morning  at  9  o'clock,  I 
heard  Brother  Bagby  preach  at  the  Penitentiary. 

I  cannot  describe  my  feelings  when  I  saw  before  me 
more  than  one  hundred  convicts  from  18  to  40  years  old, 
and  this  w^as  only  half  of  them — only  half  being  allowed 
to  come  out  at  a  time  The  sight  wab  enoiigh  to  make 
one's  heart  sicken  within  him.  At  11  o'clock,  to-day,  I 
had  the  unspeakable  pleasure  of  hearing  Andrew  Broadus. 
This  afternoon,  did  not  attend  church.  Tiiere  has  been 
much  s^ood  preaching  here  to-day.  Or.  Babcock,  from 
Kew  York,  is  here,  and  also  brother  Harrison,  of  J^ew 
York  1  have  to  preach  to-night  in  the  Methodist  church. 
I  trust  the  Lord  will  help  me  to  preach,  to  His  glory. 

There  are  a  great  many  persons  in  the  city  at  this  time, 


46  MEMOIR  OF 

and  mucli  to  interest,  please  and  profit.  1  was  quite  un- 
well the  first  day  and  a  half,  but  now  I  feel  verj  well  in- 
deed ;  how  could  I  feel  otherwise  when  I  see  such  a  host 
of  able  ministers  of  the  New  Testament  ?" 

A  letter  is  here  inserted,  written  during  his  attendance 
on  the  General  Association  in  1846,  and  indicating  the 
special  pleasure  he  enjoyed  in  meeting  the  missionary  from 
China,  and  his  native  assistant : 

KicHMOND,  June  6,  1846. 

"My  Dear  Wife: — I  have  delayed  writing  until  this 
morning  because  1  wished  first  to  be  settled.  My  ride  on 
the  first  day  and  night  was  quite  fatiguing.  I  travelled  all 
night,  bu^  had  the  entire  stage  to  myself,  and  my  overcoat 
for  a  pillow,  and  could  have  slept  quite  comfortably  but 
for  the  rough  read.  1  reached  Henderson  at  seven  tlie 
next  morning,  w^here  I  rested  until  five  in  the  afternoon, 
and  felt  quite  refreshed  and  prepared  for  another  night's 
travel.  We  passed  through  Petersburg  at  five  in  the  morn- 
ing and  reached  Kichmond  at  seven,  having  travelled  all 
night.  I  went  to  the  Columbian  Hotel  to  breakfast,  rested 
awhile  and  walked  up  to  Ball  &  Harold's,  where  1  met 
brother  Jeter,  who  took  me  home  with  him.  I  am  veir 
agreeably  situated  with  brethren  W.  H.  Jordan,  A.  M. 
Poindexter  and  D.  Witt.  Sister  Jeter  is  fast  sinking  with 
consumption.  How  mysterious  are  the  ways  of  Provi- 
dence !     I  'hink  she  is  fully  ripe  for  Heaven. 

Our  meeting  commenced  yesterda3\  There  seems  to  be 
a  full  delegation  and  brethren  are  still  coming  in.  At  this 
early  hour  many  irom  a  distance  are  here  to  attend  the 
Southern  Baptist  Convention.  Brother  Shuck  and  Yong 
Seen -Sang  are  here.  I  took  tea  with  them  last  night  at 
brother  I's.  Brother  Shuck  is  quite  a  young  looking  man. 
Yong  Seen-Sang  delivered  an  address  last  evening,  inter- 
preted by  brother  Shuck.  He  is  a  singular  but  noble 
looking  man.  His  dress  is  a  loose  robe,  coming  just  be- 
low^ his  knees,  under  which  are  loose  trowsers.  The  fore- 
part of  his  head  appears  to  be  shaven;  but  behind,  his  hair 
is  sufifered  to  grow  and  is  plaited  in  a  cue,  nearly  four  feet 
long.     He  is  of  a  bright  mulatto  color,  and  wears  a  cap. 


BEV.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  47 

I  have  mncli  to  attend  to  and  shall  have  to  close,  but 
shall  write  again  soon.  Notliing  is  wanting  now  to  make 
me  perfectly  contented  but  the  presence  of  my  two  Marys. 
How  is  the  dear  little  one?  Kiss  her  many  times  for 
papa.  Love  to  mother,  sister  and  the  little  girls,  and  ser- 
vants, and  accept  a  double  portion  from  your  ailectionate 
husband." 

The  following  letter  was  addressed  to  a  relative  who  had 
just  entered  the  ministiy  : 

Danville,  Ya.,  March  3d,  184:7. 

"  My  Deak  BROTHEii  L  : — I  trust  the  apology  my  wife 
has  made  for  our  long  delay  in  writing  is  entirely  satisfac- 
tory. The  place  which  I  have  bought  was  so  much  out  of 
repair  that  I  found  it  necessary  to  work,  myself,  very  hard, 
and  now  my  hands  are  in  no  condition  to  write.  You  will 
remember  tiie  place,  when  I  tell  you  that  it  is  at  '  Lover's 
Leap,'  where  you  and  1  walked.  I  hope  soon  to  make  it 
a  very  desirable  residence. 

My  dear  brother,  I  am  truly  glad  that  you  have  devoted 
youi'seif  to  the  office  of  the  christian  ministry.  There  are 
some  few  things  I  may  take  the  libert}^  of  suggesting  to 
you.  There  will  be  not  a  little  expected  from  you  by  tlie 
churches  and  your  family.  Many  eyes  are  turned  towards 
you,  as  one  who  is  to  be  eminently  useful.  But  especially 
the  cause  of  Christ  has  claims  upon  you  superior  to  all 
others  And  in  order  to  meet  these  expectations  and  these 
claims,  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  a  fixedness  of  purpose. 
'  Give  thyself  wholly  to  these  things,'  always  esteeming 
the  approbation  of  Christ  and  your  own  conscience,  as  be- 
ing worth  far  more  than  all  things  else.  My  sincere 
prayer  for  you  is,  that  you  may  be  an  able  minister  of  the 
!New  Testament'  a  '  burning  and  a  shining  light,'  that 
many  may  rejoice  in  your  light,  that  God  may  give  many 
seals  to  your  ministry  as  stars  in  your  crown  of  rejoicing, 
and  that  at  last  you  may  say,  'Lord,  here  am  1  and  the 
children  thuu  hast  given  me.' 

Sincerely  and  affectionately  yours, 

J.  L.  Prichard." 

The  "|new  residence  "  to  which  reference  is  made  in  the 
above  letter,  was  situated  on  an  eminence   commanding  a 


■ii  MEMOIE   OF 

fine  view  of  Danville,  from  which  it  was  separated  by  Dan 
river.  Here  he  resided  for  about  four  years,  during  which 
dme  the  place  was  much  improved  by  his  labor.  The 
bridge  over  Dan  river  having  been  carried  away  by  a 
freshet  in  August,  '50,  and  his  residence  being  thus  isolated 
from  the  scene  of  his  pastoral  labors,  a  circuitous  and 
rough  ride  being  necessary  to  reach  Danville,  he  removed 
into  the  town — feeling,  also,  that  his  time  could  be  more 
devoted  to  his  great  work  when  not  interrupted  by  atten- 
tion to  a  farm. 

Petersburg,  June  6th,  1848. 
' '  My  Dear  Wife  :— *  *  *  *  *  ^  I  have  now- 
been  absent  a  week,  and  a  long  one  indeed  it  has  seemed. 
I  had  a  pleasant  trip,  and  r^^ached  Petersburg  early  Thurs- 
day mornino;.  I  have  been  staying  at  Mr.  D.'s  His  family 
has  indeed  been  very  kind.  We  have  had  a  very  interest- 
ing meeting.  I  have  met  many  acquaintanc3s.  And  now 
the  meetings  are  all  over  and  we  have  given  each  other 
the  parting  hand.  All  are  in  a  great  hurry  to  get  home. 
1  confess  1  have  no  little  struggle  in  my  mind  to  decide 
what  I  shall  do.  I  want  to  be  at  home  with  my  dear  wife 
and  sweet  little  babes — names  full  of  music  to  me.  Kiss 
my  dear  little  Mary  and  Robert  many  times  for  me.  Give 
my  love  to  Eugenia  and  Fannie^  and  the  servants.  I  ex- 
pect to  start  foi  Norfolk  in  the  morning — shall  make  but  a 
short  stay  in  Cam-.'en.  ^'  *         -^e-  -h-         ^  * 

And  now,  dear  wife,  let  us  pray  that  God  will  bless  us 
all,  and  permit  us  once  again  to  meet,  more  determined  to 
consecrate  ourselves  to  the  great  work  of  spreading  the 
Eedeemer's  kingdom.  ^         *         *  ^         ^         ^„ 

As  may  be  seen  from  the  foregoing  letters,  he  was 
always  present  at  the  meetings  of  the  General  Association 
of  Yirginia,  enjoying  the  exercises  much.  He  was  equally 
regular  in  his  attendance  at  the  Southern  Baptist  Conven- 
tion, not  permitting  slight  obstacles  to  prevent  it.  In 
April,  1849,  he  started  to  the  Convention,  which  had  been 
appointed  at  Nashville,  Tennessee,  but  on  account  of  the 


REV.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  49 

appearance  of  cholera  in  that  section,  the  time  and  place 
of  meeting  was  changed.  The  following-  letters  refer  to  his 
disappointment,  and  his  perseverance  in  accomplishing  the 
object  for  which  he  set  ont : 

Wilmington,  April  25th,  1849. 
^'My  Dear  Wife  : — How  strange  are  the  ways  of  Prov- 
idence !  How  little  do  we  know  of  what  is  before  us. 
Thefntnre  to  us  is  a  blank  which  every  moment  is  filling. 
And  how  differently  it  is  filled  up  oftentimes  from  what 
we  expect.  You  see  from  the  date  of  my  letter  that  I  am 
now  in  Wilmington,  ]^,  C.  You  can  scarcely  imagine  my 
disappointment  when  atGoldsboro  I  met  the  cars  from 
Richmond,  to  find  that  not  one  of  the  brethren  from  that 
place  was  in  the  cars.  Disappointed  and  discouraged  I 
scarcelj^  knew  w^hat  to  do.  I  determined,  however,  to  go 
on,  and  on  reachiiig  Wilmington,  I  came  very  near  going 
on  board  the  steamer  and  being  off  to  Cliarh^ston.  I 
thought,  however,  I  would  go  and  see  brother  McDaniel. 
From  him  I  learned  that  the  Convention  woidd  9?c>f  beheld 
in  JSTashville,  but  in  Charleston  on  the  23d  of  May.  So  I 
am  now  within  twelve  hours  sail  of  the  Convention. 
Brother  McD.  invited  me  to  stay  with  him  and  hold  a  pro- 
tracted meeting.  I  have  concluded  to  do  so.  I  shall  be 
absent  until  the  last  of  May.  The  trip  will  not  cost  me  a 
fourth  of  what  it  otherwise  would.  I  expect  to  be  all  the 
time  engaged  in  preaching.     I  trust  that  this  decision  will 

meet  with  your  approbation,  and  that  of  my  brethren.  ^' 
^-  -j:-  -5^  -jf  ^4  -X-  -X-" 

Wilmington,  May  Sth,  1849. 
*'  My  Dear  Wife  : — *  ^  ^'  My  mind  has  been  great- 
ly relieved,  to  hear  of  the  goodness  of  the  Loi'd  to  you,  our 
dear  little  ones,  and  all  the  family.  Blessed  be  his  hol}^ 
name!  It  is  a  great  comfort  to  me,  to  have  you  so  clieer- 
fully  acquiesce  in  what  seems  to  be  a  Providential  arrange- 
ment. Especially  us  I  feel,  in  your  own  language,  '  to  be 
acting  in  the  conscientious  discharge  of  duty.'  I  assure 
you  that  nothing  else  could  induce  me  to  forego  the  pleas- 
ures of  my  family.  'No  place  on  earth  is  to  me  like  home. 
No  pleasures  like  those  I  find  in  the  bosom  of  my  family. 


50  MEMOm   OF 

Brother  Tompkins  is  dead  !  O  my  soul,  be  thou  quicken- 
ed on  thy  journey,  live  thou  nearer  to  thy  God,  and  be  thou 
more  conscientious  and  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  all  thy 
duties !     I  feel  that  I  have  lost  a  brother  and  a  friend. 

"Wilmington  is  a  much  larger  place  than  I  expected  ;  over 
eight  thousand  inhabitants.  It  has  much  commercial  im- 
portance. You  can  have  no  idea  ot  the  quantity  of  lumber, 
tar,  turpentine,  &c.,  that  find  a  market  here.  Shipping, 
from  various  parts  of  the  world,  may  be  seen.  I  went  on 
board  of  a  ship  from  Liverpool  and  have  seen  several  others 
from  Europe.  In  every  direction,  you  see  turpentine  dis- 
tilleries, steam,  smw  and  grist  mills,  rice  mills,  &c. 

I  have  preached  several  times  since  I  have  been  here, 
and  expect  to  preach  to  night,  and  many  more  times.  Time 
moves  slowly.  It  seems  that  I  have  been  absent  a  long 
time.  But  it  will  soon  fly  off,  if  I  can  only  be  usefully  em- 
ployed.    We  expect  to  start  to  Charleston,  Monday  week." 

Charluston,  May  i-lth,  1849. 

'' My  Dear  Wife: — The  Convention  met  yesterday, 
about  eighty  delegates  present  and  more  expected.  The 
business  is  nearly  laid  out,  so  that  we  are  now  at  w^ork. 
We  wei-e  most  cordially  received.  This  is  a  beautiful  and 
fashionable  city.  *  *  *  *  I  shall  expect  to  leave  here 
Tuesday  and  go  directly  home.  May  God,  in  his  mercy, 
keep  yon  all  in  safety  and  may  we  soon  be  permitted  to  see 
each  other  and  then  I  can  tell  you  all  about  things  I  have 
seen  and  heard.         *****- 

Having  been  so  long  absent  from  home,  he  failed  this 
vear,  f  )r  the  first  and  only  time,  to  attend  the  meeting  of 
the  Association,  which  occurred  soon  after  his  return. 


CHAPTER  lY. 

A  Severe  Trial — Sickness  zVnd  Death  of  his  Wife — Let- 
ters   Referring    to   this     Event — Attendance     Upon 
General  Association — Yarious  Letters — Second  Mar- 
riage— Call  to    Lynchburg — Yanceyville  Meeting — 
Removal — Estimate  of  his  Worth  and  Labors. 
In  the  midst    of  abumlaat  labors,  the  subject    of  this 
memoir  was  called  upon  to  sufferer  a  severe  calamity  in 
the  death  of  the  principal  member  of  his  family.     Per- 
haps no  man  was   ever  more    happy  in  the    ties  whicli 
bound  him  to  the  home  circle.     In  the  selection  of  a  com- 
panion for    li^e,  he  seemed  to  have  been  directed  by  his 
all-Avise,    all-gracious,     Heavenly  Father,    and    he   had 
cherished  the   hope  of  many  years  of  unbrol^en   domestic 
felicity.     His   wife  and  children  he  loved  with  an  ardor 
never  exceeded.     In  the  joys  of  his^happy  home  he  found 
an    unspeakable   delight.     Often,    as  he  returned    from 
his  long,    wearisome    journeys,  to   attend    his    appoint- 
ments, he  realized  a  peculiar  refreshment  and  comfort  in 
the  presence  of  his  family.     Unbending  himself  from  the 
severest  duties  of  his  ministry,  he   evinced   a  tenderness 
and  affection  of  manner  which  showed  how  pure  and  deep 
was  the  current  of  his  domestic  bliss. 

But  it  was  the  will  of  God  to  arrest  this  tide  of  earthly 
joy.     His  much    loved  wife  gave  early  indications  of  de- 


52  MEMOIR   OP 

dining  health.  She  suffered  much  from  general  debility 
for  many  months,  and  then  premonitions  of  decay  were 
beheld  by  him  v/itli  deepest  grief.  No  earthly  affliction 
could  have  been  apprehended,  so  painful  as  a  separation 
by  death.  But  his  divine  Sovereign,  the  same  gracious 
Friend  that  gave  her  to  him,  was  about  to  visit  upon  him 
this  affliction  and  to  take  her  away  This  was  to  be  a 
part  of  the  discipline  requisite  to  a  better  preparation 
for  the  great  v.^ork  before  him.  He  was  to  be  himself  a 
a  sufferer,  that  he  might  kno^v  how  to  sympathis^e  with 
and  comfort  the  sorrowing. 

Mrs.  Prichard's  health  had  declined  so  much  in  the 
summer  of  1849,  that  a  trip  to  the  Virginia  Springs  was 
recommended.  It  was  tried,  apparently  with  good  effect. 
She  seemed  to  rally  for  a  while,  but  soon  after  her  return 
she  began  to  decline  again,  and  it  was  evident  that  the 
end  was  approaching.  On  the  24th  of  November  she 
was  removed  from  her  sphere  of  usefulness  on  earth  to 
her  hom3  of  glory  in  heaven,  leaving  two  children,  a  son 
and  a  daughter,  who  still  survive.  An  extract  from  the 
Danville  Bolster  shows  the  estimation  in  which  this  ex- 
cellent lady  was  held  by  the  community  in  which  she 
lived  and  died  : 

'■'  The  deceased  was,  in  the  true  sense  of  these  terms, 
a  kind  friend,  an  obliging  neighbor,  a  faithful  mistress, 
a  dutiful  child,  a  fond  mother,  a  devoted  wife,  a  true 
christian. 

This  excellent  lady  came  among  us,  a  few  years  since, 
a  strojiger,  with  no  relative  or  even  ac<^ua>intance  to  wel- 
come her  arrival.  By  a  meek  and  humble  life,  in  short, 
by  an  exhibition  of  every  christian  grace  ard  a  practice 
of  every  christian  virtue,  she  so  won  the  confidence  and 
affection  of  this  whole  community,  that  when  the  church 
bell  tolled  her  departure,  sorrow  and  sadness  seemed  to 
fill  every  heart. 


EEV.  J.  L    PKICHAED.  53 

As  the  solePxiQ  procession  passed  tbrougli  our  streets, 
and  during  the  services  at  the  church,  the  doors  of  the 
stores  and  work- shops  were  closed,  their  occupants  uniting 
with  every  portion  of  our  population  in  honoring  the 
memory  of  one  whom  all  acknowledged  to  be  one  of  '  the 
most  excellent  on  earth.'  Truly  may  it  be  said  that  this 
was  a  striking  exhibition  of  that  involuntary  homage 
which  mankind,  even  in  its  fallen  condition,  feels  con- 
strained to  offer  to  exalted  virtue. 

Let  no  one  speak  of  her  as  dead.  "^  She  is  not  dead, 
but  sleepeth.'  Fitter  for  Heaven  than  Earth,  she  has 
been  removed  to  her  appropriate  sphere,  where  she  lives 
and  will  forever  live,  in  immortal  health." 

The  closing  scenes,  and  the  views  and  feelings  of  Mr. 
P.  under  this  afflicting  dispensation  are  best  given  by 
himself: 

(to  his  brother-in-law.) 

Danville,  Nov.  19th,  1849. 

"Dear  Brother  L.: — I  have  no  doubt  you  wish  to  be 
informed  of  the  condition  of  your  sister,  None  but  those 
who  are  constantly  with  her  can  have  an  idea  of  what 
she  suffers  at  times.  And  yet  in  the  midst  of  her  suffer- 
ings she  is  enabled  to  rejoice  in  Christ  Jesus.  This 
morning  after  reading  to  her  the  langnage  of  Paul  in 
Phillippians,  '  That  I  may  be  found  in  Him,  not  having 
mine  own  righteousness  which  is  of  the  law,  but  that 
which  is  through  the  faith  of  Ohrist,  &c.,'  she  exclaim- 
ed:  ^  O  husband,  what  a  precious  thought  it  is,  to  be 
clothed  in  the  righteousness  of  Christ  ;  had  I  a  thousand 
lives  I  would  devote  them  all  to  His  service.  I  never  felt 
him  more  precious  in  my  life.'  *  *  *  jj^j.  appetite 
is  not  good,  and  to  this  I  attribute  the  more  rapid  decline 
of  her  strength.  We  do  not  know  how  long  she  has  to 
suffer  thus.  We  can  only  say  with  Job,  '  Have  pity 
upon  us,  have  pity  upon  us,  O  ye  my  friends,  for  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  God  hath  touched  us  !'  My  dear  wife 
sends  much  love  to  you  all.     The  rest  of  the  family  are 


54  MEMOIR  OF 

well.     Pray  for   us   my  brother   that    we    may  be  sus- 
tained.    We  feel  the  need  of  your  prayers. 
Sincerely  and  affectionately 

Your  brother, 

J.  L.  Prichard." 
(to  the  same.) 

Danville,  'Nov.  25th,  1849. 
"My  Dear  Brother  L.:— With  feelings  unutterable 
I  sit  down  to  communicate  to  you  the  mournful  intelli- 
gence of  the  death  of  my  dear  wife.  She  died  on  Satur- 
day evening,  twenty  minutes  before  6  o'clock,  with  the 
consolations  of  that  blessed  religion  that  had  sustained 
her  in  all  her  protracted  and  painful  illness.  No  one 
could  have  borne  such  suffering  with  more  fortitude  and 
resignation.  She  retained  her  senses  to  the  very  last, 
spoke  to  me  not  more  than  two  minutes  before  she 
breathed  her  last.  I  have  not  now  time  to  write  particulars 
of  her  illness  and  death.  Bro.  Wait  preached  her  funeral 
to-day  in  tVie  Baptist  Church,  and  she  was  interred  in  the 
public  Burying  Ground.  It  was  her  special  request  that 
brother  Wait  should  preach  her  funeral  before  she  was 
buried,  if  she  should  die  while  he  was  at  Yanceyville, 
and  that  she  should  be  buried  where  she  is.  Greater 
demonstrations  of  sympathy  for  us,  and  of  sincere  affec- 
tion for  her,  could  not  have  been  shown.  All  the  stores 
in  town  were  closed,  and  i  believe  nearly  all  the  commu- 
nity attended  her  funeral.  I  feel,  my  dear  brother,  that 
I  have  lost  my  best  earthly  friend.  We  are  smitten  in 
the  dust,  but  we  shall  see  her  again. 
•  Yet  agaii]  we  hope  to  meet  her 
Where  no  farewell  tear  is  shed.' 

0,  I  do  wish  you  all  could  have  been  here  with  us.  "We 
did  not  expect  she  would  die  so  soon.  Dr.  G.  thought 
she  would  live  two  or  three  months  or  more.  But  the 
blessed  Saviour  came  at  an  hour  when  we  did  not  expect 
Him,  She  longed  to  be  gone,  and  1  doubt  not  she  is  now 
with  all  our  pious  relations  in  Heaven.  Pray  for  us  and 
believe  me 

Your  sincere  brother, 

J,  L.  Prichard/' 


REV.  J.  L.  PRICHARD.  55 

These  extracts  evince  the  deep  feeliog  of  grief  endured 
in  this  painful  trial,  and  the  j)Ower  of  christian  principle 
in  sustaining  th2  sufferer.  God  was  his  support.  He 
found  at  this  period  a  peculiar  comfort  in  committing 
himself  and  his  motherless  children  into  the  hands  of  the 
Lord.  Nor  did  he  intermit  his  lahors  in  the  ministry. 
He  seems  with  new  energy  to  have  fulfilled  his  pastoral 
duties,  and  to  have  preached  the  word  with  more  than 
usual  earnestness  and  power. 

His  engagements  at  this  time  were  niimerons  and  press- 
ing. Besides  a  large  congregation,  and  a  church  which 
had  hecome  flourishing  under  his  care  in  Danville,  he 
filled  a  monthly  appointment  at  Harmony  Church,  and 
another  at  Bethany,  both  in  Pittsylvania  county.  At  all 
these  points  he  labored  with  increased  fidelity,  and  was 
favored  with  tokens  of  the  special  blessing  of  God. 

Aboiit  this  time,  too,  he  was  greatly  encouraged  in  see- 
ing several  young  men,  some  of  whom  were  baptized  by 
him,  enter  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry*  He  in  this 
recognized  the  special  favor  of  the  great  Head  of  the 
church,  for  he  had  been  praying  and  waiting  for  some  to 
be  raised  up  in  that  region,  who  should  become  pleaders 
for  Christ.  In  the  letter  which  follows,  he  refers  to  the 
joy  he  experienced  in  connection  with  these  results. 
Writing  to  a  christian  friend  he  says  : 

Danville,  July  24th,  1850. 

„  I  have  been  constantly  engaged  since  returning  from 
the  General  Association.  I  have  I  aptized  four  persons 
since  I  saw  you,  and  expect  to  baptize  one,  next  Sabbath, 
who  was  a  soldier  in  the  Mexican  war,  and  now  wishes  to 
become  '  a  soldier  of  the  cross.'  I  trust  he  will  '  endure 
hardness  as  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ,'  and  fight 
manfully  the  battles  of  the  Lord.  We  commenced  a  pro- 
tracted meeting  on  the  evening  of  the  18th,  which  is 
still  in  progress.     We  have   had  a  crowded  house,     Sev- 


56  REV.   J.   L.   PKICHARD. 

eral  of  my  young  brethren  in  the  ministry  have  been 
with  me  and  preached  with  great  acceptance  to  our  peo- 
ple. This,  to  me,  is  inexpressibly  gratifying.  I  have 
stood  heie  almost  alone  for  nearly  nine  years,  and  have 
had  but  little  assistance  in  this  way.  I  trust,  however, 
that  my  labors,  imperfect  as  they  are,  have  not  been  in 
vain  in  the  Lord.  (Jne  of  these  young  brethren  I  bap- 
tized. He  is  now  tutor  in  Wake  Forest  college,  and  a 
young  man  of  great  promise.  Another  of  these  young 
brethren  was  recently  ordained  jjastor  of  the  church  in 
Milton,  N.  C.  He  bids  fair  to  be  a  very  useful  man  and 
an  acceptable  preacher.  There  is  a  young  brother  Fer- 
guson, who  preached  in  the  afternoon  of  last  Sabbath  to 
our  people,  who  took  us  by  surprise.  He  has  only  been 
licensed  five  or  six  months,  and  I  feel  that  his  discourse 
would  have  been  listened  to  with  interest  in  your  highly 
favored  city.  He  is  now  teaching  school,  but  will  go  to 
college  this  winter.  I  am  deeply  interested  in  these 
things.  '^f  ^^  ^  *  ^-  -K-  ^  *  * 
*  ''^"  *  *  "^  *  There  is  a  most  excellent 
state  of  feeling  existing  here  between  the  different 
churches.  At  eight  in  the  morning  we  agree  to  pray  at 
home,  and  at  four  we  meet  at  the  church,  and  at  night 
we  have  preaching.  At  these  times,  '  though  sundered 
far,'  may  we  not  feel  that  by  prayer  '  we  meet  around 
one  common  mercy  seat?" 

(to  the  same.) 

August  17th,  1850. 

''  Our  meeting  though  pleasant,  was  not  so  profitable  as 
we  fondly  hoped  it  would  be.  Grood,  I  have  no  doubt, 
was  done.  There  was  much  seriousness  and  our  congre- 
gations were  constantly  large.  We  expect  to  renew  our 
eiforts  soon.  My  time  is  very  precious  now.  Our  Asso- 
ciation meets  next  Friday,  over  sixty  miles  from  here. 
I  shall  have  to  leave  here  on  Wednesday,  as  I  am  ap- 
pointed to  preach  the  introductory  sermon.'' 

About  the  same  time,  in  a  letter,  he  refers  to  his  at- 
tendance at  the  meeting  of  the  Association,  when  very  de- 
cided measures  were  adopted,  bearing  upon  the  work  of 


REV.   J.   L.   PEICHARD.  57 

missions.     He  seems  especially   to   rejoice   in   this.     He 
thus  writes : 

"  I  left  home  on  Wednesday,  after  I  wrote  you,  to  at- 
tend  our  Association,  and  the  next  day  reached  White ville, 
within  four  miles  of  the  church  at  which  our  meeting 
was  to  be  held.  My  route  lay  through  a  most  interest- 
ing portion  of  country,  not  far  from  Dan  river  at  any 
point.  The  fields  of  corn  were  indeed  beautiful.  The 
fruit  trees  were  bending  and  even  breaking,  so  full  were 
they  ot  the  most  delicious  fruit.  I  felt  that  this  was 
truly  a  land  that  the  Lord  had  blessed,  ^  a  land  of  corn 
pnd  wine  and  oil,  favored  with  God's  peculiar  smile,  with 
every  blessing,  blessed. ' 

^'  On  Friday  morning,  I  reached  the  church,  through 
quite  a  heavy  shower  of  rain.  Soon  most  of  the  delegates 
assembled,  and  I  preached  the  introductory  sermon  from 
Acts  XVII  :  16.  The  Association  was  then  called  to  or- 
der, and  letters  from  twenty-three  churches  were  read  ;  i 
was  chosen  Moderator,  and  the  usual  business  was  attend- 
ed to.  Several  corresponding  messengers  and  visiting 
brethren  were  present — Mason,  Shaver,  Gwaltmey,  Jen- 
nett  and  others.  The  attendance  was  large.  Our  ses- 
sion was  truly  a  harmonious  one  ;  I  have  never  attended 
one  so  pleasant.  I  feel  that  our  body  may  now  be  called, 
truly,  a  missionary  body.  A  systematic  plan  of  benevo- 
lent effort  was  unanimously  adopted.  I  think  we  shall 
carry  it  out.  Efficient  ministers,  under  the  ble^ising  of 
God,  is  all  that  we  need.  We  have  the  numbers  and  the 
ability.     My  visit  was  a  most  delightful  one  : 

On  Saturday  night  we  had  a  storm  of  wind  and  rain- 
such  as  has  not  been  seen,  for  many  years.  The  water- 
courses were  all  full.  Nearly  all  the  bridges  on  Staun- 
ton, Banister  and  Dan  rivers  are  gone.  Our  bridge  at 
Danville  is  gone.  The  crops  are  greatly  injured,  if  not 
destroyed.  Thousands  and  tens  of  thousands  of  dollars 
will  not  repair  the  losses. 

On  Thursday  reached    home,  found  all  well,  and  felt 
truly  thankful  that  my  crops  had  suffered  but  little.     Ear- 
ly Saturday  morning,  I  left  home  for   my  appointment  at 
4 


58  MEMOIR   OF 

'Harmony  cliurcli,' fourteen  miles  west  from  Danville. 
This  is  my  appointment  for  the  first  Sabbath  in  the  month. 
Next  Sabbath  is  my  time  at  '  Bethany  church  '  six  miles 
north  east  of  Danville.  On  the  third  and  fourth  Sab- 
baths I  preach  in  Danville. 

*  *,  *  "Every  sympathy  of  my  heart  has  been 
drawn  out"  for  your  father  and  the  farail}^  If  the '  fervent 
prayers'  of  God's  people  can  '  avail'  anything,  then  I  feel 
there  is  good  reason  to  hope  for  the  speedy  recovery  of  one 
loved  by  all. 

"I  feel  that  I  know  something  of  your  present  feelings. 
I  know  them,  because  I  have  been  schooled  in  them.  I 
can  truly  say,  '  I  am  the  man  that  hath  seen  affliction.' 
When  I  was  but  ten  years  old,  I  was  called  up  from  my 
bed,  at  midnight,  to  see  my  father  die!  It  is  all  fresh  in 
my  mind  now.  The  anguish  that  wrung  my  youthful  heart 
cannot  be  forgotten.  My  mother  was  thus  left  a  widow, 
with  six  children — the  oldest  but  twelve  years  old,  two 
sons  and  four  daughters,  und,  alas  !  two  of  these  '  are 
not.'  In  1845,  I  visited  '  my  native  land,'  Camden  county, 
N.  C.  Then  we  were  all  alive.  We  parted  to  meet  no 
more  *  till  Gabriel's  trump  shall  sound.'  Since  then  two 
of  my  sisters,  both  mothers,  have  died.  They  were  lovely 
sisters.  Both  of  them  were  truly  pious.  My  mother  has 
lived  to  see  all  of  her  children  members  of  the  church,  and 
in  this  we  have  been  wonderfully  blessed.  Though  she  is 
now  sixty-five  years  of  age,  I  know  of  no  person  of  her  age, 
more  active,  cheerful  and  happy.  You  see,  without  pro- 
ceeding any  farther,  that  I  have  passed  through  scenes  of 
affliction. 

"  One  thought  in  connection  with  affliction  is  consoling. 
It  is  that  we  have  to  endure  the  sanie  affliction  hut  once. 
Every  one  borne,  leaves  one  the  less  to  bear.  Every  wave 
moves  the  frail  bark  nearer  the  shore.  How  different  do 
afflictions  seem  to  us  whilst  we  are  passing  through  them, 
from  what  they  do  after  they  are  gone.  Now  we  are  as 
the  fearful  mariner,  upon  whom  is  coming  the  terrible 
storm  with  its  angry  billows.  Look  which  way  we  wall, 
all  is  danger  !  We  surely  shall  be  swallowed  up  !  '  Hath 
God  forgotten  to  be  gracious  ?     Is   his   mercy   clean  gone 


BEY.  J.  L.  PElCHAKD.  59 

forever  f  '  Be  not  afraid,  'tis  I,'  is  the  voice  tliat  hnshes 
every  murmur  of  the  winds,  calms  every  wave,  lights  np 
the  countenance,  and  thrills  the  heart  with  joy.  And  now^ 
that  same  storm,  that  ivas  our  terror,  having  passed  ns,  is 
an  object  truly  sublime  and  beautiful — God's  '  bow  of  prom- 
ise' is  between  us  and  that^  assuring  us  that,  ^  behind  a 
frowning  providence,  ho  hides  a  smiling  face.'  Other 
storms  of  afflictions  may  come  ;  but  this  one,  nevei*.  It  is 
gone,  gone  forever. 

I  trust  I  can  say,  '  It  is  good  for  me,  that  I  have  been  af- 
flicted.' You  say,  you  fear  you  knov^'  nothing  of  that 
change  of  heart,  which  you  have  professed.  Is  this  the^r-fi' 
time,you  ever  had  any  misgivings  on  this  subject  ?  In  this, 
Tcan  assure  you,  you  are  not  alone.  Of  all  the  afflictions  of 
this  life,  there  is  none  like  the  hidings  of  God's  face. 
'  There's  not  a  drop  of  real  joy, 
Without  thy  j  resence,  Lord.' 

I  have  much  bitter  experience  in  this  too.  1  trust  I  can 
say  to  you,  as  was  said  to  me  by  brother  Wait,  President 
of  Wake  Forest  College,  when  I  was  in  great  distress  of 
mind,  as  to  my  '  acceptance  in  the  Beloved.'  '  God,'  said 
he,  '  is  preparing  you  for  a  great  work.  How  could  you 
comfort  the  distressed,  if  you  had  never  tasted  the  bitter 
cup?'  Feel  assured  you  have  my  sympathies  and  pray- 
ers. 

"  My  last  Sabbath  was  indeed  a  pleasant  one  and,  I  trust, 
profitable  also.  Brother  Hankin*  v\-as  with  me.  We  both 
preached.  The  congregation  was  hirge,  attentive  and  se- 
rious. We  expect  to  commence  a  protracted  meeting  there 
(Bethany)  on  the  29th.  I  feel  there  is  some  interest  in  our 
congregations.  O  for  a  general  outpouring  of  the  Spirit 
upon  us  all ! 

This  is  a  loveh^  evening.  The  sun  is  fast  sinking.  The 
prospect  from  my  window  is  beautiful.  It  commands  a  view 
of  several  miles  of  undulating  surface.  The  last  rays  of  the 
sun  are  tinging  the  distant  hills  and  the  tree-tops.  And 
now,  '  our  spirits  meet,'  in  prayer,  '  around  a  blood  bought 
mercy  seat.'  " 

The  following  communication  gives  i-:ome  insight  into  the 


60  MEMOIR  OF 

feelings  of  tlie  christian  minister,  in  view  of  the  responsi- 
bilities and  privileges  belonging  to  his  office. 

Danville,  Sep.  24:th,  1850. 
«'  •^"       "  *         "^     I  spent  the  third   Sabbath  in  this 

month,  in  the  pleasant  little  town  of  Milton,  1^.  C,  with  my 
excellent  brother  Lacy.  I  preached  several  times  to  his 
congregation  and  trust  that  good  was  done.  I  returned 
home  on  Tuesday,  found  all  well,  and  was  made  to  feel  as 
none  but  a  fathtjr  can  feel,  when  met  by  my  sweet  little 
Mary  and  Kobert.  1  have  given  them  to  the  Lord.  I 
wish  to  '  train'  them  for  Him.  The  weather  during  the  past 
week  has  been  delightful.  Being  busily  engaged  in  my  prep- 
arations for  the  Sabbath,  the  week  glided  almost  impercepti- 
bly away.  Our  meeting  on  Saturday  was  pleasant.  Most 
of  the  members  were  present,  though  many  of  them  live  in 
the  country.  My  family  remained  in  town  all  night.  I 
went  home  and  spent  that  beautiful  moonlight  niglit  a  one. 
And  yet,  I  felt,  I  was  'not  alone.'  With  rny  books,  and 
singing  and  prayer,  '  I  forgot  all  time,  all  care  and  pain.' 
*  1  laid  me  down  and  slept ;  I  awaked  for  the  Lord  sustained 
me.'  O!  how  beautiful  and  bright  was  that  Sal)bath 
morn  !  '  Safely  through  another  week,  &c.'  expressed  the 
sentiment  of  many  a  glad  heart  on  that  lovely  morning. 
I  went  early  to  tfie  Sabbath  School.  And  what  an  inter- 
esting sight  was  there.  About  sixty  scholars  were  present. 
All  seemed  delighted.  At  eleven,  I  preached  to  a  large 
and  deeply  interested  congregation  from  1  Peter,  i :  4.  I 
felt  it  to  be  a  great  privilege  to  preach  such  truths  to  God's 
people.  They  seemed  to  enjoy  it.  After  sermon,  we  as- 
sembled around  the  '  Lord's  table,'  and  there  partook  of 
the  bread  and  wine  and  1  think  there  were  many  who  felt 

to  ask, 

*  Why  was  I  made  to  to  bear  thy  voice?  &c.' 

In  the  afternoon  I  held  a  meeting  for  our  colored  mem- 
bers. We  have  about  one  bunded.  We  restored  one, 
heard  them  sing  some  of  their  sweet  songs,  &c. 

At  night,  I  preached  again  to  a  densely  crowded  house, 
on  the  training  of  children,  having  often  been  requested  to 
da  so.     It  is  a  subject  about   which   I   have  thought  and 


EEY.   J.   L.    PRICHARD.  61 

read  much.     I  know  of  nothing  more  important  or  in  which 
I  take  a  deeper  interest.         '-         '^         '- 

Ilis  tender   sympathy  for  the  aiiiicted  is  evinced  in  the 
following  lines  : 

Danville,  Ang.  17th,  1850. 
*     -:f     -:r     ]\£ost  sincerely  do  1  sympatliize   with  yon  in 
the  afiiiction  of  your   dear  father.     I  am  gratified  to   liear 
you  express  yourself  as  you  do,  in  ret'erencs  to  this  severe 
triah     'Godliness    is  profitable     unto    all    tilings.'     You 
must  not  expect  to  feel  an  entire  accjuiescence  in  his  deal- 
ings with  you  at  firnt.     It  requires  much  prayer  and  medi- 
tation and  exercise  of  faith.     Jacob,  with  all  his  piety  and 
experience,  was  unprepared  to  part  with  Joseph  and  Ben- 
jamin.    '  All  these  things   are  against    me,'  said  he.     But 
when  he  saw  through   the  whole  he  said,   '  It  is    enough.' 
David  was  grieved  when    he   saw  '  the  prosperity   of  the 
wicked,'  but  when  saw  their  'end,'  then  he  ceased  to  (bi's.'^y 
them  and  co->iplain  against  God.     Paul  wa?  in^ipatient  un- 
der his  affliction,  whatever  it  was,  until  God    assured  him, 
that  his  'grace  should  be  sufficient  for  him.'     And    then, 
but  not  till  then,  he  most  gladly  acquiesced  in  God's  will. 
So  it   must   be  with    us.     The  christian  life  is  a  growth. 
We  siiould  have  great  reason  to  suspect  ourselves,  if  these 
trials  and  afflictions  did  not,  to  some  extent,  render  us  un- 
happy.    Disease,   whether    moral   or    physical,    struggles 
hard    aud    long    against    the    reme  ly.     And  during   this 
struggle  the  patient  must  of  necessity    suffer  in    body   or 
mind.     But,  though    painful  at  present, 'twill  cease  before 
long.     And  then  how  pleasant  the  conqueror's  song." 
(to  the  same.) 
f  Earth  has  no  sorrow  that  Heaven  cannot  cure." 
Yes,  in  despite  of  all  that  sin  has   done  for  our  w^orld, 
there  is   much  of  happiness  to  be   enjoyed  here    after  all. 
^The  bitter  is  sweet  and  the  medicine  is  food.' 

What  could  we  do  in  many  of  the  conditions  of  life  with- 
out the  consolations  of  religion  ?  And  yet  sustained  by 
these  consolations,  the  very  trials,  afflictions,  anxieties  and 
disappointments   of  this  life,  are  converted   into  so  many 


(52  MEMOIR   OF 

^vings  and  pleasant  gales,  to  lift  our  souls  jibove,  and  waft 
us  to  some  ri=gali's  top,  from  which  we  have  a  view  of  the 
heavenly  Canaan.  And,  O,  what  a  view  it  is !  What 
foretastes  !  I  rejoice  to  know  you  derive  such  comfort 
from  the  'precious  promises'  with  which  our  Heavenly 
Father's  word  is  filled." 

October  80th,  1850,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Jane  E.. 
dauf^'hter  of  Rev.  Ja«.  B.  Taylor.  D.  D.,  of  Richmond, 
Va.  In  this,  as  in  his  former  union,  he  was  peculiarly  fav- 
ored. Mrs.  P.  proved  a  mother  to  his  little  children,  so 
sorely  bereaved,  and  to  himself  a  wife  in  the  highest  sense 
of  the  word — a  help-meet  in  all  his  labors,  and  a  comfort 
in  his  trials. 

Tie  remained  in  Danville,  preaching  there  and  in  the 
adjacent  country,  ten  years — busy,  fruitful  years  as  we  have 
seen.  A  flourishing  church  organized  at  Bethany  ;  two 
hundred  and  fifty  six  members  added  to  the  church  in 
Danville,  and  all  his  other  churches  greatly  revived  and 
strengthened  under  his  ministry  ;  the  Roanoke  Association 
saved  from  antinomianism  mainly  through  his  instrumen- 
tality ; — these  are  some  of  the  fruits  with  which  his  earlier 
labors  were  crowned— enough  for  a  life-time  surely.  But 
his  stoy  here  was  drawing  to  a  close.  lie  was  strongly  at- 
tached to  the  people  of  his  charge  and  tenderly  they  loved 
him  in  return.  But  liis  life  had  been  one  of  unceasing  ac- 
tivity and  arduous  labor,  and  he  longed  for  a  place  in  which 
he  could  have  more  time  for  study  and  self-iniprovemeut. 
Nor  was  he  long  in  finding  it.  In  Jianuary^  1852,  he  re- 
ceived a  unanimous  call  to  the  church  at  Lynchburg,  and 
soon  afterwards  removed  to  that  city.  With  this  statement 
we  resume  our  extracts  fr(»m  his  letters  and  diary. 

The  accompanying  letter  was  addressed  to  his  wife  froni 
Yanceyville,  whither  he  had  gone  to  fill  his  regular  ap- 
pointment.    For  some  time  he  had  been  serving  the  church 


REV.    J.   L.    PRICHARD.  63 

at  this  place  in  a  monthly  visit.     His  connection  with  this 
people  had   been  peculiarly  pleasant,  and  the  happiest  re- 
sults had  attended  his  ministry.     Theinterest  which  existed 
in  the  congregation  at  this  time,  is  referred  to  : 
(to  his  wife.) 

Yanceyville,  Nov  25th,  1851. 
*'l  am  now  alone  in  an  upper-room,  comfortably  seated  by 
a  good  fire,  and  my  thoughts  turn  to  you  and  my  dear  little 
ones  at  home.  You  will  be  glad  to  know  how  it  has  been 
with  me  and  what  are  the  prospects  for  a  revival,  &c. 
I  reached  here  in  good  time,  preached  to  the  church,  had 
a  pleasant  meeting.  The  clnirch  agreed  unanimously  to 
invite  brother  lieynoldson  to  come  and  hold  a  meeting. 
On  Sabbath  morning  I  preached  to  a  very  large  congrega- 
tion, had  prayer  meeting  at  3  o'clock,  and  preached  again 
at  night — congregation  good,  attentive  and  serious.  Mon- 
day I  spent  in  visiting  from  house  to  house.  The  day 
passed  oif  pleasantly.  Christians  seem  anxious  for  a  revival. 
Held  prayer  meeting  at,  -t  P.  M.  I  preached  at  night ;  se- 
riousness "still  more  apparent.  I  feel  encouraged  to  go  on. 
I  believe  the  Lord  will  bless  us.  I  received  a  letter  this 
morning  from  brother  Reynoldson.  He  expects  to  be  here 
on  Friday,  so  I  do  not  see  how  I  can  come  home  this  week. 
Eighty  persons  had  professed  in  Milton  up  to  yesterday, 
and  twenty  one  are  now  anxious — a  great  and  glorious  wcrk 
is  going  on  there.  I  sincerely  trust  we  shall  have  a  good 
time — I  know  I  have  your  prayers  that  I  may  be  faithful 
and  successful." 

(to  the  same.) 

Yanceyville,  Dec.  4th,  1851. 
*  '''  ''^  "^  I  wish  to  keep  ycu  informed  of  the 
state  of  things  here.  Tuesday  night  we  had  a  good  meeting. 
Several  professed  and  many  more  became  anxious.  The 
congregations  have  been  large  and  attentive  all  the  time. 
Last  night  we  had  the  best  meeting  of  the  series.  It  was 
a  solemn  time.  The  people  seemed  loth  to  leave  the  place. 
They  lingered,  they  wept,  they  rejoiced.  Up  to  this  time 
thirty  have   professed,  and  there  are  now  over  twenty  in- 


64  MEMOIR   OP 

quirers.  I  feel  it  to  be  mj  duty  to  stay  here  now,  and  I 
therefore  think  I  shall  not  go  to  Harmony.  1  trust  you 
will  agree  with  me  in  believing  it  my  doty  to  remain  here. 
It  seems  that  this  is  the  time  to  thrust  in  the  sickle  and 
reap,  '  for  the  fields  are  already  white  unto  harvest.' 

Friday  morning — A  beautiful  moniing.  I  had  a  pleas- 
ant night's  rest  and  hope  to  be  able  to  do  somethiug  to-day 
to  glorify  Him  who  suffered  for  us.  I  trust  I  am  making 
sacrifices  for  Christ  in  thus  leaving  'wife  and  children, 
&c.,'even  though  it  be  but  for  a  time.  God  knows  my 
heart,  and  I  can  appeal  unto  him,  that  it  is  no  little  sacri- 
fice to  be  absent  so  much  from  those  who  are  so  dear  to 
me.  But  this  is  the  time  to  suffer  and  make  sacrifice.-,  and 
the  only  t\me.  For  in  that  ble-sed  world  al»ove,  our  em- 
ployment will  doubtless  be  of  a  different  kind.  You,  too, 
are  no  less  making  sacrifices.  There  is  a  cross  for  every 
one,  and  there  shall  be  for  all  a  crown.  You  will  remem- 
ber that  they  who  staid  and  took  care  of  the  stuff,  shared 
equally  with  those  who  went  out  and  fought  the  battles. 
Yes,  eternity  will  declare  it  that  she  who  rem.ained  at  home 
in  quiet,  and,  it  may  be,  unknown  to  the  world,  has  done 
much  of  the  work.  She  is  hid  from  the  public  view,  pour- 
ing oil  upon  the  flames  that  opposition  and  discourage- 
ment would  extinguish. 

Love  to  all.  Kiss  the  dear  children  many  times  for  papa 
and  believe  me  ever  your  affectionate  husband." 

The  meeting  to  which  the  above  letter  refers  resulted  in 
the  conversion  of  a  number  of  persons,  some  of  whom,  it 
will  be  seen  from  succeeding  entries  in  his  journal,  he 
baptized  oq  the  day  he  dissolved  his  connection  with  the 
church. 

EXTKACTS  FKOM  HIS  DIARY. 

"  Jan.  8th  1852. — Received  a  unanimous  call  to  the 
church  in  Lynchburg. 

10th. — Satmday.  Bethany  meeting.  Did  not  go.  It 
snowed  until  dinner.  Spent  the,  daj^  mostly  at  home. 
Talked  much  of  the  probability  of  going  to  Lynchburg. 

11th. — Still  cold.     Ground  covered  with  snow.     Went  to 


REV.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  65 

Bethany.     Met  only  a  few,  with  whom  I  read   the   scrip- 
tures, biing,  prayed,  and  talked  some. 

12th — Spent  the  day  restino^.  Mind  much  eno:aged. 
What  shall  I  do?  Shall  I  go?  or  shall  I  not  go  ?  'Lord, 
direct. 

17th. — A  solemn  day.  Formally  resigned  the  care  of 
the  chnrch  in  Danville,  having  held  it  ten  years.  There 
was  much  deep  feeling  by  ns  all.     ISTone  blamed. 

ISth. — Rained  all  day.  Preached  to  a  small  congrega- 
tion. Had  some  liberty  in  speaking.  Trust  some  good 
was  accomplished. 

19th. — Intensely  cold.  Wrote  a  letter  of  acceptance  to 
the  Ljnchburg  church.  Brother  Palmer  spent  the  night 
at  our  house — the  coldest  recollected  by  any  of  us. 

20tli. — The  coldest  weather  ever  kiiown  here.  The  falls 
entirely  frozen  over.  Ice  from  5  to  6  Inches  thick.  Began 
to  make  arrangements  for  moving." 

To  decide  upon  a  course  was,  with  him,  to  act,  as  w^ill  be 
seen  by  his  rapid  preparations  to  enter  upon  his  new  field 
of  labor. 

"21st.  -Still  extremely  cold.  Mercury  below  zero.  Could 
do  nothing  except  keep  good  fires. 

23rd. — A  little  milder.  Went  to  brother  H's.,  on  my  way 
to  Yanceyville.  Spent  a  pleasant  night,  much  religious 
conversation. 

24th. — Yanceyville.  Made  two  calls  and  then  met  a  good 
number  at  cluirch.  Received  tifteen  by  experience.  Re- 
signed my  charge.     A  very  solemn  time. 

25th. — Su!  day.  A  beautiful  morning.  Yery  large  con- 
gregation. In  the  afternoon  baptized  iiftcen.  An  immense 
crowd  present.  Preached  again  at  night  and  took  le^ive. 
Much  feeling  by  us  all." 

He  was  compelled  to  visit  Lynchburg  to  make  arrange- 
ments for  removing  his  family  andwas  absent  four  days. 

"Feb.  1st. — Sunday.  Danville.  Preached  to  a  large  con- 
gregation. Took  a  review  of  the  ten  years'  labors,  I  trust 
with  good  eifect.  Much  sympathy  manifested  for  me  and 
my  family. 


66  MEMOIR  OF 

2nd. — Commenced  j)acking  with  brother  M's.  help. 
Many  friends  called  in.  We  loaded  the  wagons  before 
night  and  my  family  went  to  brother  Ws. 

3rd — Transacted  much  business.  Paid  off  accounts. 
Yisited  and  took  leave  of  only  a  few  families. 

4th. — Made  an  early  start  for  Lynchburg,  travelling  till 
son-dovrn,  and  stopping  through  the  night  at  Mrs.  B's. 

5tb. — Starred  at  sun-rise.  Mild,  pleasant  day.  lieacli- 
ed  Mr.  Hollins'  house  in  Lynch bnrg  about  sun-down.  De- 
voutly tbankful  to  God  for  his  mercy." 

The  retirement  of  Mr.  Prichard  from  a  field  whicli  he 
had  so  diligently  cultivated  for  a  series  of  years,  was  the 
result  of  a  stern  conviction  of  duty.  As  already  stated,  he 
desired  the  opportunity  of  devoting  a  larger  portion  of 
time  to  systematic  theological  reading.  In  leaving  Dan- 
ville, however,  he  found  himself  the  subject  of  painful  emo- 
tions. Lie  iiad  scarcely  known  how^  strongly  attached  were 
the  people  of  that  whole  region,  to  him  as  their  spiritual 
counsellor.  He  had  been  abundant  in  labors  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Pittsylvania,  and  in  the  surrounding  counties,  and  in 
every  direction  the  seals  of  his  ministry  w^ere  to  be  found. 
The  sincerest  grief  was  manifested  by  many,  that  they  were 
to  see  his  face  no  more,  in  the  regular  assemblages  where 
they  had  been  accustomed  to  meet  him.  It  is  not  strange 
that  when  the  parting  hour  came,  he  should  have  felt  deep- 
ly under  the  pressure  of  fraternal  love  so  strongly  evinced. 

The  estimate  in  vrhich  he  was  held  in  Danville  and  its 
vicinity  is  revealed  in  tbe  following  tribute  furnished  by  a 
highly  intelligent  gentleman  of  another  denomination  : 

''Although  I  was  not  a  member  of  his  congregation,  it 
was  my  privilege  to  be  on  terms  of  intimacy  with  Mr. 
Prichard,  and  to  be  a  frequent  attendant  on  his  ministry. 
I  have  had,  therefore,  a  good  opportunity  of  observing  his 
manner  of  life,  and  of  judging  of  his  ministerial  fidelity 
and  efiiciency. 


KEY.  J.  L    PRICHARD.  67 

"His  preaching  was  plain,  direct  and  pungent.  lie 
never  addressed  tlie  imagination  or  endeavored  to  please 
the  fancy  of  his  audience.  He  had  too  correct  an  appre- 
ciation of  the  solemn  nature  of  his  calling  to  lower  the 
dignity  of  the  christian  minister  by  seeking  to  attract  tho 
admiration  of  his  hearers  to  himself.  His  effort  was  rather 
to  induce  thorn  to  fall  in  love  with,  and  heartily  receive  the 
great  and  i77i2)07iant  truths  which  he  was  commissioned  to 
proclaim. 

As  a  pastor  he  labored  zealously  to  instruct  the  ignorant, 
to  reclaim  the  wayward,  to  reform  those  who  had  gone  far 
out  of  the  way,  and  to  confirm  and  comfort  such  as  habit- 
ually strove  to  continue  in  the  right  path.  He  rebuked 
with  firmness  yet  with  affection,  exhorted  with  earnestnes-, 
and  reproved  w^ith  a  f.arlessness  which  w^as  characteristic 
of  himself. 

He  had  the  courage  to  discharge  his  duty,  under  circum- 
stances which  would  have  discouraged  it  not  appalled  most 
men.  His,  however,  was  not  the  brute  recklessness  of 
danger  which  distinguishes  the  lion  of  the  forest,  but  that 
true  christian  courage  which  was  founded  on  the  assurance 
that  whilst  he  was  in  the  path  of  duty,  he  was  surrounded 
and  shielded  by  an  Omnipotence  which  was  pledged  for  his 
protection  and  on  which  he  could  confidently  trust  for 
safety  and  deliverance.  With  this  conviction  he  went 
forth  to  the  discharge  of  duty,  nor  felt  nor  feared  the  dan- 
ger that  beset  him.  The  only  fear  he  knew  was  that  he 
should  '  come  short  of  the  promise  set  before  him; '  or,  as 
St.  Paul  expresses  it,  that  '  after  having  preached  the  Gos- 
pel to  others'  he  himself  should  be  a  castaway. 

I  have  often  remarked  that  I  had  never  known  an  indi- 
vidual on  whom  I  would  more  confidently  rely,  to  march 
up  to  the  cannon's  mouth,  if  duty  should  call  him  to  the 


68  MEMOIR   OP 

trial.  This  was  the  estimate  which  was  put  upon  his  char- 
acter hy  all,  in  this  region  of  country,  who  had  the  pleasure 
of  knowing  him. 

That  such  a  man  should  exert  a  wide  and  a  healthy  in- 
fluence in  the  church,  of  which  he  was  an  ornament,  might 
hav^e  been  reasonably  expected.  And  so  he  did.  It  was 
mainly  through  his  instrumentality  that  the  anti- mission ar}'- 
spirit,  which  at  the  time  of  his  coming  among  us  was  in 
the  Association  to  which  he  attached  himself,  was  crusliGd 
out  and  this  body  became  an  active  co-worker  with  those 
who  were  endeavorin  ^  to  obey  the  great  command,  '  Preach 
the  Gospel  to  every  cieature.'  Nor  was  his  influence  con- 
fined to  his  own  chui'ch  ;  his  pre  ler.ce  was  a  strong  though 
silent  rebuke  to  all  evil-doers  wherever  found." 


CHAPTEB  V. 

Description  of   Lyxciibueg — ^Enteanoe   Upox   the   JSTeW 
PAsroRATE — Discouragements — Diversifipjd     Labors — 

Cfe)MPLETION    OF     MeETING-HoUSE — DIFFICULTIES     IN     THE 

Church  —  Adjustment  —  Mrs.  Hollins — Tem  i'Krance 
Cause — Incident — Letters — Kesults  of  Labors  in 
Lynohburg — Call  to  Wilmington — Acceptance  —La- 
bors IN  Lynchburg. 

Lynchburg  is  the  most  important  place  in  that  section  of 
Virginia  lying  between  the  head  of  tide-water  and  the  Blue 
Ridge,  and  known  as  the  Piedmont  country.  It  contains 
about  ten  thousand  inhabitants  and  derives  its  importance 
from  being  the  junction  of  the  Orange  &  Alexandria,  the 
Southside,  and  the  Virginia  and  Tennessee  railroads,  and 
till  recently  the  terminus  of  the  James  river  and  Kanawha 
canal ;  from  its  position  as  the  centre  of  trade  to  h  fertile 
and  extensive  region ;  and  from  its  numerous  and  large 
manufactories.  The  great  staple  of  tobacco,  specially,  here 
finds  a  mart  second  only  to  Richmond,  while  its  manufac- 
ture is  conducted  on  a  scale  which  gives  the  place  a  na- 
tional, if  not  a  world-wide  reputation.  One  of  the  features 
which  most  struck  the  stranger,  walking  through  the  streets 
in  former  years,  was  the  sonorous  swell  of  song  which  con- 
stantly rolled  from  the  busy,  cheerful  negto  laborers  en- 


70  MEMOIR   OF 

gaged  in  tlic  various  operations  by  wliicli  the  weed  is  pre- 
pared for  the  use  of  the  consumer. 

The  city  is  romantically,  if  not  pleasantly  situated  on 
the  hills  which  rise  precipitously  from  the  waters  of  the 
James,  and  is  in  full  view  of  the  Blue  Ridge  just  distant 
enough  to  wear  that  azure  hue  which  most  enchants  the 
soul  of  any  one  who  has  an  eye  for  the  beautiful  in  nature  ; 
while  the  far-famed  Peaks  of  Otter,  towering  like  Alps 
on  Alps  constaatl}^  direct  the  mind  from  the  busy, 
changeful  scenes  of  life  to  thoughts  of  the  infinite  and  the 
everlasting. 

The  steepness  and  roughness  of  the  streets  must,  how- 
ever, largely  absorb  the  attention  of  the  pedestrian  in 
Lynchburg,  or  he  is  likely  to  be  in  the  condition  of  the 
philosopher  of  old,  who,  wrapt  in  the  contemplation  of  the 
heavens,  stumbled  over  the  milk-pail  placed  in  his  path 
by  a  mischievous  maid.  We  remember  on  one  occasion, 
visiting  Lynchburg,  we  were  directed  by  a  friend  to  his 
residence  somewhat  thus  :  "  Keep  up  the  street,  and  go 
any  way  you  can  without  breaking  your  neck  and  you  will 
not  0^0  wrono;."  AYe  thoun^ht,  at  the  moment,  the  direction 
exaggerated,  but  when  we  pursued  the  course  indicated, 
seeing  on  one  hand  frowning  cliffs,  and  on  the  other  yawn- 
ing ravines,  we  felt  that  it  was  not  so.  Even  the  principal 
thoroughfares  of  the  city,  paved  though  they  are,  still  retain 
a  grade  which  renders  them  almost  impassable  when  covered 
with  ice,  and  a  weariness  to  the  flesh  of  the  pedestrian  on 
a  summer  day,  while  the  stone  steps  constantly  occurring 
give  ample  warning  that  vehicles  may  not  pass,  nor  even 
horsemen  unless  they  be  of  nerve  which  would  make  them 
worthy  to  follow  a  Forrest  or  an  Ashby. 

To  the  pastorate  of  the  Baptist  Chnrch  in  this  place,  Mr. 
Prichard  was  called  in  Janriarv.  1852.  and  after  mature de- 


REV.   J.   L.   PKICHARD.  71 

liberation  decided  to  accept  the  position.  To  this  conclu- 
sion he  was  led,  not  by  a  desire  for  change,  for  no  man  ever 
had  less  love  of  novelty;  not  by  anxiety  for  a  larger  or 
more  pleasant  field,  for  the  one  afforded  by  a  residence  in 
Danville  could  scarcely  be  surpassed ;  certainly  not  from 
any  alienation  be<"ween  himself  and  the  churches  which  he 
served,  for  the  mutual  confidence  and  love  increased  rather 
than  diminished  to  the  close  of  the  connection.  We  believe 
that  the  one  motive  which  decided  him  to  remove  to  Lynch- 
burg was,  that  confining  his  labors  to  a  single  church  and 
relieved  from  the  necessity  of  spending  a  large  portion  of 
time  on  horseback,  he  might  enjoy  at  once  the  stimulus 
and  theop23ortunity  for  reading  and  elaborate  preparation 
for  the  pulpit. 

But  the  care  ot  tlie  Lynchburg  churcli  by  no  means  af- 
forded a  position  for  the  enjoyment  of  rpiiet,  literary  leisure. 
On  the  contrary,  probably  no  cliurch  in  Virginia,  of  its  size, 
demanded  a  greater  amount  of  exhausting  pastoral  labor. 
We  remember  to  have  heard  Dr.  Tlyland  say  in  a  public  ad- 
dress that  when  he  was  pastor  in  Lynchburg,  the  property  of 
the  church,  leaving  out  a  single  member,  did  not  average  a 
good  cow  for  each  family.  Under  the  labors  of  Smith, 
Clopton,  Shaver  and  Williams,  it  had  indeed  increased  in 
ability :  but  still  the  majority  of  the  members  were  poor 
and  were  scattered  over  the  hilly  suburbs.  The  church 
had  been  without  a  pastor  for  more  than  a  year  before  Mr. 
P's.  settle QQcnt  among  them,  and  the  congregation  had  in 
consequence  been  dispersed.  During  the  pastorate  of  his 
predecessor,  Rev.  J.  W.  M.  Williams,  now  of  Baltimore,  a 
new  building  had  been  commenced  and  had  progressed  suf- 
ficiently for  the  basement  to  be  used  as  a  place  of  worship. 
But  after  Mr.  W's.  resignation  and  removal,  the  church  be- 
came involved  in  a  lawsuit  with  the  contractors  and  the 
enterprise  was  suspended. 


72  MEMOIE   OF 

Here  then  was  the  first  work  of  the  new  pastor.  It  was  to 
gather  the  scattered  flock  together  and  win  their  confidence 
and  aifection  ;  seek  out  and  restore  lhe  congregation;  and 
finish  the  house  of  worship.  It  was  an  herculean  underta- 
king, and  yet  he  did  not  falter  or  shrink  from  it.  As  noth- 
ing could  be  done  on  the  house  till  the  lawsuit  was  decided, 
he  devoted  himself  the  more  assiduously  to  the  exploration 
of  his  new  field.  Some  conception  of  his  spirit  and  his  la- 
bors at  this  time  may  be  gathered  from  the  following  entries 
in  his  diary : 

*' Ltj^chbukg,  Feb.  Tth. — Saw  many  of  the  brethren,  who 
appeared  to  be  in  fine  spirits.  Felt  encouraged.  There 
seems  to  be  much  harmony  of  feeling.  I  have  no  language 
to  express  our  gratitude  for  the  goodness  which  has  attend- 
ed us. 

8th. — Pleasant  morning  at  Sabbath  School.  Talked  a 
little  to  the  children.     Preached   to  a  good  congregation. 

March  4th. — This  day  moved  home.  Feel  thankful  that 
we  are  once  more  at  home.  O  that  it  may  be  home  to  us 
in  the  Lord !  God  preside  over  us,  and  rule  in  us,  and 
guide  us ! 

5th.— Much  engaged  In  fitting  up  and  arranging  for  the 
comfort  of  my  family  ;  find  it  fatiguing,  having  all  the  er- 
rands to  go  myself. 

6th. — During  the  past  month  could  do  little,  except  in 
getting  ready  for  my  regular  pastoral  duties. 

21st. — Spent  the  day  in  preparation  fur  Sabbath.  Felt 
it  was  good  to  be  alone  with  God  and  my  books. 

Apeil  1st. — Still  in  my  stud}^,  writing  ray  sermon.  Feel 
it  a  great  privilege  thus  to  be  permitted  to  study  God's 
Holy  Word  and  prepare  for  more  extensive  usefulness. 

14th. — Preparing  a  sermon  on  justification.  Am  deeply 
interested  in  my  subject.  Company  came  in.  Could  not 
do  much.     ]^eed  much  patience. 

15th. — Haidatworkun  my  sermon.  Had  a  quiet  day. 
O,  how  delightful  to  study  the  Scriptures.  Enjoyed  the 
day." 


RBY.   J.   L.   PKICHAED.  73 

25th,  Sabbath.  Attended  Sabbath  school.  Preached 
in  the  morning,  Sunday  school  sermon,  to  a  large  and  at- 
tentive congregation.  At  night  from  Col.  I:  28.  Much 
good,  I  trust,  done. 

29th. — In  my  study,  reading  the  life  of  Lord  Bacon,  as 
reviewed  by  Macaulay.  Much  interested,  and  more  sur- 
prised than  interested. 

May  2nd.  At  Sunday  school — a  good  number  present. 
Preached  on  '  Justification,'  and  again  at  night  on  the 
*  Blessings  of  Justification.'     Had  quite  a  good  time.  " 

The  diary  for  this  year  here  ends.  The  diary  for  1858 
is  continued  but  a  few  months,  aud  the  entries  are  simply 
to  refresh  his  memory  as  to  the  events  of  his  daily  life  as 
they  pj-iss.     Many  are  such  as  this  : 

"  Spent  to-day  visiting  the  following  families,  &c.,  &c." 

"  This  day  passed  oif  j)leasantly  in  my  study,  &c." 

Such  was  the  pressure  upon  his  time,  amid  his  diversi- 
fied duties,  that  little  opportunity  wa«  left  even  to  make  a 
record  in  his  journal.  Over  the  hills  and  in  the  suburbs 
of  the  city  he  was  constantly  engaged  in  visiting  tiie  fami- 
lies of  his  flock,  while  a  due  attention  was  given  to  the 
preparation  of  his  sermons.  The  hours  appropriated  to 
reading  and  study  were  peculiarly  prized,  and  when  on 
any  account  they  were  lost  to  him,  it  was  felt  to  be  a  real 
afi[iiction.  In  a  constant  endeavor  to  enlarge  his  range  of 
general  knowledge,  and  especially  his  acquaintance  with 
theological  truth,  his  library  became  an  object  of  peculiar 
interest.  He  rapidly  improved  in  his  investigations  of  the 
word  of  God,  and  in  his  method  of  sermonising.  His  profit- 
ing was  thus  made  to  appear  to  all.  It  was  soon  found 
that  the  basement-room  of  the  house  of  worship  in  which 
the  church  met,  was  beginning  to  be  inconveniently  small. 
The  congregation  had  been  increasiog  from  his  first  en- 
trance upon  the  pastorate.  He  now  turned  his  attention 
to  the  removal  of  the  difficulty  which  the  law  suit  involved, 
5 


74  MEMOIR   OP 

with  the  purpose  of  securing  the  completion  of  the  upper 
room.  It  was  due  to  his  discreet  management  ot  the  whole 
matter  that  it  reached  a  speedy  issue. 

The  lawsuit,  to  which^we  have  referred,  being  decided, 
the  only  barrier  to  the  completion  of  the  house  of  worship, 
now  rendered  a  necessity  by  the  constantly  increasing  size 
of  the  congregation,  was  the  lack  of  funds.  Pastor  and 
church  zealously  and  heartily  co-operating,  the  requisite 
amount  was  secured  in  a  few  days,  and  after  a  season  of 
patient  waiting  the  work  was  done.  The  event  is  thus  re- 
corded in  his  diary : 

"  Preached  from  Isaiah  LIY:  23,  'Enlarge  the  place  of 
thy  tent,  &c.'  Gave  notice  that  our  new  house  of  wor- 
ship, would  be  dedicated  next  Sabbath. 

7th. — Went  to  my  house  to  prepare  a  dedication  sermon, 
but  brethren  coming  in  to  have  some  conversation,  did  no 
writing." 

The  above  is  explained  by  the  fact  that  interruptions  in 
his  study,  which  was  in  the  basement  of  the  church,  were 
so  frequent  that  he  retired  for  greater  privacy  to  his  own 
dwelling. 

8th. — "  At  home  at  work  on  my  sermon.  The  ladies 
putting  down  carpet  in  the  church,  i  spent  the  day  j)leas- 
antly,  reading  and  writing. 

9th. — Still  at  work  on  my  sermon.  Have  become  deeply 
interested  in  the  subject.     Hope  I  have  learned  something. 

10th. — Sermon  nearly  completed.  Spent  a  part  of  the 
day  at  the  church,  altering  some  doors. 

11th. — At  home  nearly  all  day.  Finished  my  sermon  and 
feel  greatly  relieved.  AV'illing  now  to  have  Sunday  coire, 
and  yet  feel  much  anxiety. 

12th. — The  day  fine  for  finishing  our  pre23arations.  Pur- 
chased materials  for  cushions  and  aided  in  completing  the 
arrangements. 

13th. — Dedication.  Dense  fog  in  the  morning.  Cleared 
away  and  sun  shone  out.     A  large  congregation.     Preach- 


REV.   J.   L.   PKICHARD.  75 

ed  from  1st  Tim,  III:  13.  Communion  at  3  o'clock,  and 
preaching  at  night  from  Pliil.  II :  14-,  16. 

14th. — Beautiful  day,  which  I  spent  in  visiting.  De- 
lightful church-meeting  at  night." 

After  the  above  date  his  diary  was  intermitted  and  not 
resumed  till  1856,  from  which  time  it  is  continued  till  the 
day  he  was  stricken  with  the  fatal  disease.  One  more  en- 
try is  found  which  will  suggest  something  of  his  manner 
and  influence  with  his  servants : 

''April  8th,  1853.— This  morning,  at  9  o'clock,  Dick 
died  of  pneumonia,  after  a  sickness  of  over  four  weeks. 
We  feel  this  to  be  a  great  affliction.  Well,  I  did  all  I 
could.  The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.  We  shall  miss  him 
much.  lie  was  a  faithful  servant,  and  I  sincerely  believe 
a  christian.  I  had  some  interesting  conversation  with  him 
a  few  days  ago,  last  Sabbath  especially.  O,  let  us  try  to 
do  our  duty  and  be  ready." 

During  Mr.  P's.  pastorate  in  Lynchburg  some  difHculties 
in  the  administration  of  church  discipline  arose,  wliich  for 
a  time  impaired  his  usefulness  and  put  to  the  test  all  his 
wisdom  and  firmness.  In  these  trials  he  manifested  those 
traits  of  character  which  marked  his  course  through  life, 
mingled  tenderness  and  firmness.  His  family  and  the 
brethren  and  sisters  who  stood  by  his  side  in  the  season  of 
painful  perplexity  can  testify  to  the  sleepless  nights  and 
anxious  days  through  which  lie  passed.  But  he  steadfast- 
ly maintained  his  position,  and  the  cloud  ere  long  passed 
away,  and  he  rejoiced  in  the  thought  that  matters  were 
settled,  as  he  believed,  finally,  and  that  the  members  of  the 
church  could  unite  their  energies  and  efforts  to  promote 
the  Redeemer's  cause  among  men.  In  the  following  ex- 
tract from  a  letter  to  a  friend  he  tells  the  story  of  his  trials  ; 

Lynchburg,  April,  22nd  1853. 

''Dear  Brother  L. — Since  I  last  wrote  you,  I  can  almost 
adopt  Ps.   LTi:  7.     '  All  thy  waves  and  thy  billows  are  gone 


76  MEMOIR  OF 

over  me.'  Almost,  I  say,  not  fully,  '  deep  hath  called  un- 
to deep,'  but  in  the  midst  of  the  roaring  of  the  storm,  I 
heard  a  voice  saying,  'Be  not  afraid;  it  is  I'  and  still  an- 
other, '  it  is  through  much  tribulation,  we  must  enter  the 
kingdom  of  heaven'  and  '  these  are  they  that  have  come 
out  of  great  tribulation,  &c.'  Now  don't  he  alarmed— but 
to  the  point.  We  have  had  great  difficulties  in  the  church, 
difficulties  of  thirty  years  standing.  They  did  not  com- 
mence during  my  ministration.  You  recollect  your  first 
visit  to  this  city,  i[\Q  first  tirae  you  gazed  with  rapturous 
delight  upon  the  Blue  Kidge !  You  know  that  I  was  go- 
ing to  Lynchburg  to  assist  in  settling  a  difficulty  in  the 
church.  A  committee  of  about  sixteen  of  our  e?iperienced 
brethren,  ministers  and  laymen^  labored  from  Wednesday 
until  Saturday,  day  and  night,  and  Jwped  we  had  adjusted 
the  difficulty.  But  some  of  the  '  old  leaven'  was  h-ft,  and 
has  been  at  work  ever  since.  I  very  soon  saw  it  was  im- 
possible to  build  up  a  church  of  the  materials  tlien  in  it — 
endeavored  to  act  cautiously  and  discreetly,  and  to  take  ?io 
step  without  much  defiberation  and  prayer.  We  excom- 
municated one,  and  about  a  dozen  have  taken  letters.  We 
have  now  about  one  hundred  and  forty  membei's,  and  a 
more  united,  working  set  of  men  and  women  1  have 
never  seen.  I  think  it  likely  the  minority  will  form  an- 
other church.  I  hope  they  will  and  go  to  work.  So,  it  may 
be,  we  shall  see  the  proverb  fulfilled,  'There  is  that  scat- 
tereth  and  yet  increaseth.'  God  grant  it.  I  rejoice  that 
He  can  make  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise  Him.  1  do  not 
judge  these  brethren.  I  can  but  hope  they  mean  to  do 
right.     But  I  certainly  think  they  have  greatly  erred." 

In  the  above  extract  a  reference  is  made  to  the  cordial 
co-operation  of  the  members  of  his  church  in  all  his  plans 
and  labors.  Perhaps  no  pastor  was  more  happy  in  this 
respect.  In  the  adjustment  of  the  long  pending  difficulty, 
the  church  seemed  to  enter  with  new  energy  upon  the 
work  of  building  up  and  extending  the  cause  of  truth. 
Several  notable  examples  of  efficiency  in  this  work  might 
be  named.     One  of  these  examples   especially  deserves  at- 


REV.    J.   L.   PRICHARD.  77 

tention  in  this  memoir.  From  the  earliest  history  of  the 
church,  Mrs.  Ann  llollins  had  been  one  of  the  most  consis- 
tent and  useful  members.  Her  husband,  Mr.  John  llol- 
lins, an  enterprising  and  successful  merchant  of  Lynch- 
burg, though  not  himself  a  member  of  the  church, 
spared  no  expense  or  pains  to  gratify  his  wife  in  all 
that  related  to  the  building  up  of  the  Baptist  cause.  She 
was  indeed  and  in  truth,  a  helper  in  the  Lord.  Singularly 
gifted  as  she  was,  iti  all  that  ennobles  the  sex,  she  conse- 
crated herself  and  her  talents  to  the  promotion  of  her  Re- 
deemer's giory.  For  several  years  she  was  the  principal 
support  of  tlie  Baptist  interest  in  Lynchburg.  Nothing 
could  divert  her  from  the  cherished  purpose  of  her  heart, 
to  live  and  labor  for  its  promotion.  When  the  Baptists 
were  few,  p(K)r  and  despised,  she  clung  the  more  closely  to 
11  .1  r  appropriations  were  large  and  liberal.  Every 
object  of  christian  benevolence  shared  in  lier  benefactions. 
The  large  and  flourishing  Female  College  at  Botetourt 
Springs  received  from  her  an  endowment  of  several  thou- 
sand dolhars,  and  its  name  was  changed  as  a  tribute  of 
respect  t.>  nollins  Listitute.  In  m11  these  deeds  of  love,  her 
excellent  husband  evinced  an  abiding  sympathy.  Both  of 
this  noble  pair  have  passed  away.  It  may  be  said  of  them, 
"Lovely  and  pleasant  in  their  lives,  and  in  their  death  they 
were  not  divided."  Those  most  intimately  acquainted 
with  Mr.  liollins  rejoiced  in  the  assurance  that  he  died  an 
hum  I  >V  believer  in  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  that  he  with  his 
much  loved  companion  now  swells  the  song  of  redemption- 
in  the  bright  world  above. 

In  Mrs.  Kolliiis  the  subject  of  this  memoir  found  a  per 
sonal  friend  and  earnest  co-worker,  and  carried  with  him 
to  the  end  of  life  a  grateful  estimate  of  her  sympathv  and 
influence. 


78  MEMOIR   OF 

In  Lynchburg,  as  at  all  times  and  in  all  places,  Mr. 
Prichard  was  the  zealous  advocate  of  Temperance.  During 
the  earlier  part  of  his  ministry  in  that  city,  an  effort  was 
made  to  elect  only  such  inunicipal  officers  as  were  in  favor 
of  restricting  the  issue  of  licenses  to  sell  intoxicating  liquors. 
Of  course  the  movement  excited  active  and  bitter  opposi- 
tion. In  the  progress  of  the  struggle  an  incident  occurred 
which  is  in  every  way  honorable  to  Mr.  P.  We  give  it  in 
the  words  of  the  friend  Avho  has  kindly  furnished  it  for 
publication  : 

"  The  ])rospcci,  to  the  friends  of  Temperance,  had  become 
very  dark.  Its  enemies  wxre  about  to  triumph.  The  best 
talents,  legal  and  other,  that  they  possessed  were  brought 
into  requisition.  Plans  laid  in  secret  were  about  maturing. 
AjDanic  seemed  to  sieze  even  those  who  had  been  pillars  in 
the  cause.  But  a  few  hours  and  the  meeting  would  be 
held  and  the  final  blow  would  be  struck.  Late  in  the  day 
Mr.  P.  was  informed  of  the  state  of  afi'airs.  His  mind  was 
made  up.  His  friends  feared  for  him,  not  that  they  doubt- 
ed his  ability  but  lest  his  well, known  excitability  should 
carry  him  too  far.  Some  of  the  friends  of  Temperance 
urged  the  abandonment  of  the  cause.  Others,  embarrassed, 
knew  not  Avhat  to  advise.  The  prevalent  impression  was, 
that  inaction  was  the  highest  policy.  At  the  appointed 
hour  a  dense  throng  tilled  the  hali.  The  Commonwealth's 
Attorney  who  had  been  looked  to,  as  a  champion,  by  the 
friends  of  the  cause,  but  had  declined  to  speak  on  the  ground 
of  its  uselessness,  united  with  otliers  in  urging  Mr.  Prichard 
to  decline  also,  for  his  own  sake  and  that  of  the  cause. 
He  replied,  '  Til  speak  if  it's  the  last  time  I  ever  appear 
before  a  public  audience  ;  if  it  costs  me  my  life  I'll  speak.' 

"A  Judge  and  a  prominent  lawyer  appeared  in  favor  of 
the  traffic  and  delivered  able  addresses.     It  was  then  time 


KEY.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  79 

for  Mr.  Prichard  to  reply.  Never  was  he  known  to  be  more 
calm,  more  self-possessed.  Point  by  point,  with  the  accu- 
racy of  a  practiced  pleader,  he  took  up  and  answered  the 
arguments  of  his  opponents,  exposing.and  shattering  their 
gilded  but  hollow  sophistries.  He  seemed  to  revel  amid 
the  creations  of  his  own  fertile  fancy.  The  audience  was 
so  thrilled  and  electrified  by  the  powerful,  burning  portray- 
als, that,  at  a  w^ord  from  the  almost  inspired  speaker,  they 
would  have  turned  on  his  opponents  and  thrust  them  from 
the  hall.  Said  a  gentleman  who  w^as  present,  'I have  heard 
eloquence  on  other  occasions,  but  nothing  I  ever  heard  has 
enabled  me  to  realize,  to  such  an  extent,  what  is  said  of  the 
overpowering  force  of  Patrick  Henr3^' 

Some  who  had  been  cool  towards  him  on  the  ground  of 
religious  denominationalism,  took  him  to  their  arms  from  this 
time,  and  to  the  latest  hour  of  his  sojourn  in  this  city  mani- 
fested the  genuiness  of  their  conversion." 

His  letters,  wdiich  are  given  below,  are  descriptive  of  his 
life  in  Lynchburg,  and  tell  what  needs  to  be  told  better 
than  we  can  do  it.  During  a  temporary  absence  of  his 
wife  from  home  he  thus  writes  : 

"  Last  Sabbath  was  a  delightful  day.  At  seven  in  the 
morning  I  baj^tized  Mrs.  I^. ;  a  precious  season.  We  had  a 
good  Sunday  School,  a  large  and  attentive  congregation. 
Subject,  '  Ye  shall  know  the  truth  and  the  truth  shall  make 
you  free.'  John  YIH :  32.  It  was  communion  season. 
Again  at  night,  a  good  congregation.  I  have  visited  sev- 
eral families  this  week.  "^  "^^  *  You  know  something 
of  my  trials  and  discouragements  here.  But  you  do  not 
know  all.  I  feel  that  1 7ieed  all  the  consolation  that  this 
world  can  afford  me.  And  I  do  know  that  there  is  nothing 
in  this  world  that  can  contribute  so  largely  to  my  consola- 
tion and  encouragement  as  your  sympathy.  Till  we  meet 
let  us  often  remember  each  other  at  a  throne  of  grace,  that 
God  will  bless  us  and  our  children  and  make  us  a  great 
blessing  to  the  people  among  whom  our  lot  is  cast." 


80  MEMOIR  OF 

(to  the  same.) 

July  12th,  1852. 
"  ^  *  ^  *  *  Yesterday  was  a  very  warm 
day,  but  very  good  congregations,  and  I  felt  more  tlian 
usual,  I  trust,  while  endeavoring  to  discharge  my  duty  to 
them.  In  the  morning  my  subject  was,  '  And  Moses, 
when  he  was  come  to  years,  refused  to  be  called,  &c.,  &c.' 
At  night,  '  I  was  alive  without  the  law  once,  &c,'  I  trust 
a  good  impression  was  made.  I  felt  much  exhausted  when 
I  reached  home.  I  am  very  feeble  this  morning  and  shall 
not  visit  as  usual  to-day,  but  remain  at  home  and  rest." 

(to  the  same.) 

Lynchburg,  March  28  th,  1853. 
a  *  ^  "^  To  day  I  had  truly  a  pleasant  time  in  my 
study.  Really  enjoyed  my  work.  Finished  my  prepara- 
tion for  Sunday — wrote,  /b?-  a  rarity^  several  letters  and 
then  took  a  little  recreation.  Last  Sabbath  our  congrega- 
tion was  good  and  attentive — subject:  'Wilt  thou  not 
revive  us  again?  etc,  &c.'  In  the  afternoon  1  went  to 
hear  He  v.  Mr.  Mitcliell,  but  it  was  communion.  Quite  a 
goodly  number  out  and  they  had  a  solemn  time.  I  preached 
at  night  from  the  words,  'Men,  brethren,  and  fathers,  to 
you  is  the  word  of  this  salvation  sent.'  I  think  there  was 
some  tenderness  in  the  congregation.  Thank  you  for  your 
words  of  encouragement — I  need  it*  I3y  the  help  of  the 
Lord  my  mind  is  made  up.  I  offer  myself  a  sacrifice  to  his 
cause  here.     *         ^        '■^" 

(to  the  same.] 

Lynchburg,  April,  4th  1853. 

"  "^  '^"  *  Many  thanks  for  your  promptness  in 
writing.  I  feel  thankful  to  our  kind  Preserver  that  you 
have  been  '  kept  by  a  Father's  eye,'  and  that  the  dear  lit- 
tle boy,  though  sick,  has  also  been  mercifully  preserved. 
Ought  we  not  to  be  devoutly  grateful  that  our  children 
have  had  and  recovered  from  most  of  the  diseases  common 
to  childhood?  Many  parents  have  had  to  part  with  their 
dear  little  ones,  whilst  ours  are  spared  to  comfort  us.  O 
that  it  may  be  to  comfort  us,  and  prove  a  blessing  to   our 


REV.   J.   L.    PRICHARD.  81 

race  !  I  do  want  us  to  feel  that  our  cluldren  are  the  Lord's. 
Let  it  be  our  constant  prayer  that  God  will,  at  an  early  age, 
chano-e  their  hearts.  We  have  much  to  encourage  us  in 
doino- this.  His  word  abounds  wdth  encouragements,  and 
in  your  own  family  you  have  a  practical  demonstration  of 
these  two  truths — God's  faithfulness  and  the  parent's  re- 
ward. ^  ^  ^  ^  ^  ^  ^  ^^ 
My  time  has  been  occupied  as  usual.  I  spent  the  entire 
day  on  Tuesday  in  visiting.  Wednesday  and  Thursday  I 
was  closely  engaged  with  my  books  and  papers.  Wednes- 
day night  a  large  Temperance  meeting  was  held  at  Tempe- 
rance ilall.  Mr.  Edwards  and  I  addressed  the  meeting. 
It  was  by  far  the  largest  meeting  that  has  been  held  for  a 
long  time.  It  was  the  anniversary  of  the  Lynchburg  Di- 
Vision.             -jr             v;             V.              ^             .. 

(to  the  sa:me.) 

Lynchburg,  April  11th,  1S53. 
"  -^       ^       -)f       ^-      I  would  have  liked  you  to  peep   in- 
just  about   the  time   I   was    seated   to   read    your   letter. 
Grandma  stopped  her  knitting,  Sister  her  w^oi-k,  and  M.  and 
B.  their  play  ;  and  all  were  intent  on  hearing  it  except  little 
B,,Svho  could  not  Tefrain  from  an  occasional  irhince  at  his 
pretty  new  book.     All  of  us  were  delighted  at  the  referen- 
ces to  ourselves.     Expressions  of  love  from  absent    friends 
are,  beyond  expression,  sweet.     The  christian  is  surely  not 
in  want  of  proofs  of  God's  love  when  he  looks  back  upon 
a  life  crowmed  with  loving  kindness  and  tender  mercies,  but 
notwithstanding  all  this,  such  is  his  nature,  he  often   wants 
a  renewal  of  these  same  tokens.     Moses  had  seen   and  en- 
joyed much  of  the  loving  kindness  of  the  Lord,  yet  his  pray- 
er was,  '  I  beseech  thee,    shew  me  thy  glory.'     And    Phil- 
ip's desires  were  increased  by  what  he  had  seen,    to    ask, 
'  Lord  show  us  the  Father  and  it  sufhceth  us.'     Now   the 
application  of  all  this  is  easy  and  natural.     The  fields  that 
were  refreshed  by  the  showers  in  days  past,  will  soon  need 
the  return  of  the  clouds   again.     Often    have  you  contrib- 
uted to  our  happiness  and  most  heartily  do  we  thank  you 
for  a  renewal  of  these  proofs.     You    are  in   the   midst   of 
those  who  love  you  tenderly,  but  feel  assured,   there   are 


82  MEMOIR  OF 

none  in  K.  who  think  of  you  oftener  or  more  aftectionatelj 
than  does  one  little  group  in  L.  Your  absence  and  dear 
little  Jeuimie's  has  created  a  void,  that  nothing  but  your  re- 
turn can  filL         ^^^^^^i^^ 

Our  congregations  on  Sabbath  were  very  good  and  at- 
tentive. Many  of  the  Episcopalians  were  out,  as  they  had 
no  preaching  at  their  church.  To-night  is  our  church 
meeting.  I  trust  we  shall  have  a  pleasant  time.  It  is  now 
getting  to  be  a  rare  thing  to  have  our  former  difficulties 
spoken  of.  We  are  determined  to  let  the  matter  die.  I 
think  the  citizens  care  but  little  about  it.         *         "^  - 

*         *         The  church  in  Liberty  w^ill  be   dedicated   next 
Sabbath.     I  have  a   pressing  invitation  from   the   church 
and  pastor  to  attend.     Shall  probably  go  on  Saturday." 
(to  the  same.) 

April  18th,  1853. 

'^  Another  week  with  its  responsibilities,  anxieties  and 
privileges  has  gone  to  vast  eternity  since  I  last  wrote  you. 
So  I  am  another  week  nearer  to  my  journey's  end  and  to 
my  dear  ones  whom  I  long  to  see.  I  do  love  to  think  of 
that  one  idea  of  heaven,  given  us  in  Revelation : 
^  And  there  was  no  sea  there.'  Ko,  there  is  nothing  there 
to  separate  us  from  those  we  love.  Here,  '  lands  and 
rivers  roll  between,  &c.'  Well,  it  can  all  be  turned  to 
good  account.  It  will  only  make  heaven  the  sweeter. 
Self-denial  is  no  small  part  of  religion.  And  I  will  look 
at  Christ,  think  of  Him.  and  '  press  towards  the  mark, 
&c.'  You  will  wish  to  know  how  I  have  passed  my 
time.  On  Tuesday  and  Wednesday  I  was  in  my  study. 
Monday  night  we  had  church-meeting.  It  was  a  very 
pleasant  one.  Two  joined  by  letter.  Others  will  join 
soon.  Thursday,  at  10,  I  preached  the  funeral  of  Mr. 
E.  at  our  church.  He  was  buried  by  the  Odd  Fellows. 
Text :  '  0  death,  where  is  thy  sting,  &c.'  Friday  morn- 
ing was  beautiful ;  I  spent  the  day  in  visiting.  Saturday, 
at  six  o'clock,  I  took  the  cars  for  Liberty,  and  reached 
there  at  seven.  It  commenced  raining  about  eight  and 
continued  all  day,  much  of  the  time  very  hard.  So  I 
preached  the  Jirst  sermon  in  the  new  church — text :   ^One 


REV.  J.  L    PRICEIARD.  83 

thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I  seek  alter, 
&c.'  I  enjoyed  it  much  and  I  believe  the  congregation 
more.  It  was  off  hand  completely — the  number  of  peo- 
ple out  was  small,  as  it  rained,  I  was  interested  in  my 
subject — intend  preparing  a  sermon  iVom  that  text  some 
of  these  days.  I  reached  home  a  little  after  five,  having 
enjoyed  my  trip  much.  Brother  C  L.  Cocke  came  to 
Liberty  as  I  left.  I  had  little  time  to  speak  to  him.  He 
is  anxious  I  should  attend  the  examination  of  the  school 
at  Botetourt  Springs,  in  May,  9nd  make  an  address  on 
education.  He  has  made  me  a  life-member  of  the  Vir- 
ginia University  Education  Society. 

Yesterday  was  rainy — Sunday  School  small.  1  preached 
to  quite  a  good  congregation — text:  'Iwill  guide  thee 
with  mine  eye,  &c.'  I  spent  the  afternoon  profita- 
bly I  trust,  reading  Bishop  Butler's  sermons  on  the 
'Son  of  God,'  and  'Self-deceit.'  I  would  recommend 
them  to  every  christian.  He  goes  to  the  bottom  of  things, 
analyzes  them,  tests  them.  I  preached  to  a  small 
congregation  at  night  in  the  basement.  I  went  down, 
not  expecting  to  preach,  and  did  not  carry  my  sermon, 
but  preeched  from  the  words  of  the  Publican." 

•X-  ^  -)f  ^  ^  ^  ^  "r-r 

(to  the  same.) 

Lynchburg,  May  1st,  1855. 

5}:  4(-  *  5}:  *  *  -i^  ^:- 

^'I  left  home  Thursday,  for  Franklin,  with  brother  C, 
and  reached  Gogginsville  at  nine  that  night,  having 
crossed  the  Blue  Bidge  twice,  through  it  on  the  cars  and 
over  it  on  the  stage.  Gogginsville,  though  in  the  midst 
of  the  mountains,  is  east  of  the  Blue  Ridge  proper.  It 
was  warm  and  very  dusty  travelling.  During  the  night 
the  wdnd  blew  quite  hard  and  the  next  morning  was  cool, 
fire  being  comfortable.  Friday  morning  we  went  to 
church,  met  a  small  number  of  persons,  to  whom  I  preach- 
ed. Then  held  a  consultation  with  brethren  Goggin, 
Brown,  Leftwich  and  Sanderson  in  reference  to  what  we 
should  do  next  day.  The  next  morning,  on  going  to  the 
church,  found  the  house   full,  examined   the  individuals. 


84  MEMOIR   OF 

fourteeQ  in  number,  and  organized  the  cliurcli.  I  then 
preached,  by  request — subj(^ct  :  '  Co-operation  of  church 
and  pastor.'  Being  much  fatigued,  1  left  at  intermission 
but  brother  Leftwich  preached. 

Sunday  was  a  beautiful  day  and  a  large  congregation 
was  out.  The  bouse  did  not  hold  all  the  ladies  and  many 
gentlemen  stood  all  the  time  of  my  long  sermon — text : 
^  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  &c.' 
After  an  intermission  brother  Goggin  ])reachetl.  1  then 
rode  over  a  beautiful  mountain,  a  distance  of  six  miles, 
to  Kocky  Mount,  at  the  earnest  solicitation  of  the  people 
of  that  place,  and  preached  to  them  on  '  Christ's  second 
coming.'  After  preaching  I  laid  down  on  a  sofa  until 
eleven  o'clock,  when  I  was  aroused  t  y  the  sta«;e-horn. 

We  left  Big  Lick  at  nine  and  reached  Lynchburg  at 
twelve,  finding  all  well  at  home.  I  was  delighted  with 
Franklin  county  and  think  the  prospect  very  encouraging. 
The  Genercil  Association  must  send  them  a  good  preacher 
and  I  ieel  siire  the  people  there  will  very  soon  take  care 
of  him.  They  more  than  paid  my  expenses,  and  one 
gentleman  said  if  they  would  gjt  me  to  preach  once  a 
month  he  would  give  $25.  I  would  not  be  afraid  to  go 
there  at  once  withoiU  an  appointment  from  the  Board. 
Almost  feel  like  going,  felt  so  much  at  home  there.  Peo- 
ple so  hungry  for  preaching.  '  When  will  you  come 
again?  Do  come  and  see  us  often,'  were  remarks  fre- 
quently made.''         *         "^         '' 

Mr.  P's  labors  in  Lynchburg  were  drawing  to  a  close. 
They  had  been  arduous  and  incessant  and  had  been  prose- 
cuted, as  we  have  seen,  in  the  face  of  many  discourage- 
ments an  1  often  of  fierce  opposition.  But  nothing  daunt- 
ed, he  ]  ressed  forward  patiently,  cheerfully,  earnestly, 
and  triumphed  in  the  end.  His  pastorate  in  Lynchburg 
extended  through  four  years  and  had  been  eminently  suc- 
cessful. The  little  flock,  scattered  and  almost  discouraged, 
had  been  gathered  together  and  encouraged  and  strength- 
ened.    Seventy-seven   members  had  been    added   to  the 


REV.  J.  L.  PRICHARD.  85 

company  of  believers,  thirty-seven  by  letter  and  forty  by 
baptism.  The  neat  and  commodious  house  of  v/orship, 
which  at  his  coming,  seemed  likely  to  fail  of  completion 
if  not  to  pass  out  of  the  Iiands  of  the  Baptists,  was  fin- 
ished, and  it  stands  there  to-day  to  tell  of  his  patient 
perseverance  in  well-doing.  The  discordant  elements  in 
the  church  had  either  been  harmonized  or  removed,  and  a 
long  career  of  peaceful,  useful  labor  seemed  opening  be- 
fore him.  His  brethren  thought  that  he  ought  not  to 
entertain  the  idea  of  leaving.  But,  though  he  loved  Vir- 
ginia as  he  had  reason  to  do,  his  heart  turned  yearningly 
to  his  native  State,  and  two  invitations  received  at  the 
same  time  from  different  quarters  decided  him  to  return. 
The  circumstances  attending  his  removal  and  the  motives 
which  influenced  him  are  best  narrated  by  himself. 

EXTRACTS    FROM    IIlS    DIARY. 

Deo.  21st,  1855. — ''  This  day  received  a  call  to  the 
pastorate  of  the  First  Baptist  Church,  Wilmington, 
N.  C.'^ 

As  was  his  custom,  he  without  delay  proceeded  to 
make  the  inquiries  necessary  to  enable  him  to  come  to  an 
early  decision. 

"  27th. — Left  home  to  visit  Wilmington.  Reached  there 
at  seven,  the  next  niorning,  and  spent  Saturday  and 
Sunday  there,  preaching  twice,  and  left  Monday  to  return 
home. 

Jan.  2nd,  1856. — Received  letters  from  Trustees  and 
President  of  Oxford  Female  College,  inviting  me  to  take 
charge  of  the  same. 

3rd. — Had  an  interview  with  some  of  the  brethren  in 
reference  to  the  calls  to  Wilmington  and  Oxford.  What 
shall  I  do  ?     Lord,  direct  in  the  right  way. 

4th. — Had  conversations  with  brother-  M.  and  sister  H. 
All  seem  deeply  affected  and  none  more  than  I.  I  feel  it 
my  duty  to  go,    but    dread    to  say  so    to  the  church,     0 


86  MEMOIR  OF 

Lord,  send  them  a  better  pastor  than  I  have  been,  and 
bless  him. 

5th.- — At  home  all  day.  Talked  much  about  going  to 
W.     Wrote  to  Oxford,  declining  the  call. 

6th. — Sabbath.  Beautiful  and  bright.  Preached 
from  Eom.  XII :  1,  2.  Gave  notice  of  a  church-meeting 
Tuesday  night, 

7th. — Saw  some  of  the  brethren  and  conversed  with 
them  in  reference  to  my  leaving.  Wrote  to  W.^  indica- 
ting my  acceptance  of  the  call  to  the  pastorate  of  the 
church. 

8th. — Consulted  with  some  of  the  brethren  about  leav- 
ing, a  successor,  &c.  At  the  meeting  that  night  offered 
my  resignation,  which  was  accepted,  and  the  very  kindest 
sentiments  of  regard  for  me  expressed,  and  deep  feeling 
evinced  by  all." 

In  his  letter  of  resignation  he  says :  ''  Most  of  you  are 
aware  that,  within  the  last  few  weeks,  I  have  received  a 
call  to  the  pastorate  of  the  Front  Street  Baptist  Church, 
AYilmington,  N.  C.  You  arc  also  aware  that,  in  order 
to  enable  me  to  decide  more  correctly  and  speedily  what 
I  ought  to  do,  I  have  made  the  church  a  short  ^visit.  And 
now,  dear  brethren  and  sisters,  after  much  anxious  and, 
as  I  believe,  prayerful  deliberation  I  feel  it  to  be  my  duty 
to  ofler  to  you  ray  resignation  as  pastor  of  this  church. 

'^Let  me  assure  you  that  it  is  no  diminution  of  love 
to  you  personally,  or  to  the  church  and  congregation 
generally,  that  has  influenced  me  to  take  this  step.  So  far 
from  this  I  have  never  been,  nor  do  I  ever  expect  to  be, 
associated  with  a  people  to  whom  I  shall  bo  more  at- 
tached. I  entertain  the  kindest  feelings  for  every  mem- 
ber. Nor  can  I  allow  that  any  one  feels  a  livelier  interest 
in  the  prosperity  of  the  church  than  I  do.  You  have  been 
uniformly  kind  tome,  and  courteous  in  all  our  intercourse, 
in  the  church  and  elsewhere.     Y^ou  have  been  prompt  in 


REV.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  87 

meeting  your  obligations  to  me  and  my  family.  At  the 
end  of  every  year  my  salary  lias  been  paid.  To  part  from 
such  brethren  can  not  but  be  painful. 

^'  I  trust  I  shall  be  believed  when  I  say  a  sense  of  duty, 
and  this  only,  has  prompted  me  to  sever  the  connection 
which  has  subsisted  for  nearly  four  years.  I  feel  that  I 
can  be  more  useful  there  than  I  can  expect  to  be  here. 

"  And  now,  dear  brethren  and  sisters,  may  the  great 
Head  of  the  church  guide  you  in  securing  an  under- 
shepherd  who  shall  be  more  able  to  instruct  and  comfort 
you,  and  more  successful  in  winning  souls  to  Christ,  and 
thus  building  up  a  large,  efficient  and  prosperous 
church.'^ 

We  continue  the  extracts  from  his  diary : 

9th. — Much  engaged  in  making  arrangements  to  leave. 

11th. — A  number  of  brethren  and  sisters  called.  It 
was  a  pleasant  time. 

12th. — Snowed  !  Snowed  !  I  piled  up  wood  and  had 
coal  brought.  I  do  feel  devoutly  thankful  for  all  my 
mercies.  '  My  times  are  in  thy  hands.'  Lead  me,  0 
Lord. 

13th. — Beautiful  day  and  much  warmer.  Preached 
in  the  morning  in  the  basement ;  at  night  in  the  upper 
part  to  a  good  congregation.  Took  a  retrospect  of  my 
coming  here  and  all  that  had  transpired.  It  was  an  af- 
fecting season. 

14:th. — Attended  church-meeting  at  night.  Had  a 
most  delightful  time. 

15th. — Packed  my  books  and  attended  prayer  meeting 
at  night.  Lectured  from  John  XY.  Quite  a  good  num- 
ber out,  and  I  really  enjoyed  the  meeting.  Hope  some 
good  was  done.     0  Lord,  direct  the  church. 

As  in  Danville,  so  in  the  city  he  was  now  about  to  leave, 
a  general  feeling  of  regret  prevailed  among  all  classes  of 
the  people  that  his  valuable  ministerial  services  among 
them  were  about  to  close.     This  feeling  was  manifested  in 


88  MEMOIK  OF 

vari'113  ways.  The  families  of  his  own  congregation  were 
ready  to  yield  to  a  feeling  of  sadness  in  sundering  the  ties 
which  had  bound  him  to  them.  He  had  so  often  knelt 
with  them  at  the  family  altar — had  been  their  counsellor 
and  comforter  in  times  of  difficulty  and  trial,  and  had 
shared  so  freely  in  all  their  joys,  that  tliey  felt  as  if  they 
were  about  to  lose  a  sincerely  cherished  friend.  Even  the 
children  evinced  sorrow  at  his  departure.  He  had  always 
shown  the  kindest  sympathy  with  them  in  all  their  pains 
and  pleasures.  The  citizens  also,  and  members  of  other 
religious  congregations  shared  in  this  feeling  of  the  regret 
at  his  removal. 

It  would  seem  scarcely  in  accordance  with  a  wise  dis- 
cretion to  change  a  field  of  labor  under  under  circumstan- 
ces such  as  existed  in  this  care.  But  as  already  suggested, 
from  the  time  of  leaving  his  native  State,  the  most  urgent 
appeals  had  been  made  to  induce  a  return.  Oxford,  New- 
bern,  Haleigh  and  other  positions  had  been  brought  before 
his  attention,  and  flattering  inducements  to  occupy  them 
were  repeatedly  presented.  May  it  not  be  believed  that 
in  this,  as  in  other  events  of  his  history,  his  steps  were  or- 
dei'ed  by  the  Lord  ? 


CHAPTER  YI. 

Wilmington,  Kortfi  Carolina — Pastorate  Commenced  — 
Sensh:  OF  Responsibility — Heavy  L\bor3 — Association* 
AL  Mei-jtings — Sympathy    with    the    Suffering — Fam- 
ily  Affliction — Death    of    a    Child — Extracts    from 
Diary  and  Letters— Affliction  Sanctified — Remark- 
able Revival — Extracts  from  Diary  and  Letters.^"' 
Wilmington  is  pleas intlj  situate^  1  (•!»  the   eabt   bank   of 
the  Cape  Fear  river,  Thirty  five  miles  tVotri  its  month,  and 
is  the  largest  town  in  North  Carolina.     In   1860   it  had    a 
population  of   9,500,  with  a   considerable    and    rapidly  in- 
creasing trade.     Ifc  was  the  principal  depot  f  )r  the  exporta- 
tion of  cotton,  turpentine,  &c.  from  an  extensive  and  pro 
diictive  re,2:ion,  and  here  the  imports  for  a  large  part  of  the 
State  were  bivnght  in. 

The  first  Baprist  church  in  this  city,  as  we  have  seen, 
had  extended  a  call  to  Mr.  Prichard  and  he  had  accepted 
it.  lie  reached  his  new  held  of  labor  --n  the  31st  of  Janu- 
ary, 1856,  as  appears  from  the  following  : 

"Jan  31st.-  Arrived  in  Wihiiington  at  8,  P.  M.  First 
prayer-meeting  there  to-night.  O.  how  thankful  that  we 
are  at  our  journey's  end."  ^ 

The  following  entries  may  be  surprising,  perhaps  amu- 
eing,  to  some  who  remember  Mr.  P's.  f  uency  in  extempo- 


90  MEMOIR  OF 

raneous  discourse,  but  they  are  cliaracteristic — show   his 
scrupulous  conscientiousness : 

"  Fkb.  2. — Boxes  of  farnituT-e  and  books  not  arrived. 
Felt  great  anxiety  for  the  Sabbath.  No  strinons.  Lord 
help  me." 

That  this  was  a  sore  trial  to  him  there  can  be  no  doubty 
for  he  was  deeply  impressed  with  the  solemn  responsibili- 
ties which  rest  on  him  who  preaches  the  Word,  and  never, 
unless  there  was  a  call  which  he  could  not  decline,  ventured 
into  the  pulpit  without  careful  and  prayerful  study.  But 
in  this  instance,  as  in  all  his  trials,  he  looked  Above  for 
help  and  it  came.     On  the  following  day  he  wrote : 

"  Feb.  3rd. — Morning  somewhat  cloudy  and  cold.  Con- 
gregation good — text:  1  Cor.  11 :  1,  5.  Had  so.ne  liberty 
in  speaking,  but  did  not  feel  right  to  commence  my  labors 
here  widi  so  little  preparation.  O  God,  forgive  and  bless. 
At  night  preached  from  'Behold  the  Lamb  of  God.'" 

For  a  while  he  was  busily  engaged  in  removing  to  his 
new  home  and  fitting  it  up.  This  task  performed  he  com- 
menced exploring  his  field  of  labor  and  laid  the  foundations 
of  his  subsequent  usefulness  by  visiting  from  house  to 
house,  forming  the  acquaintance  of  his  flock,  studying 
their  condition  and  their  wants  and  securing  their  confi- 
dence and  affection.  His  diary,  which  was  kept  up,  with- 
out intermission,  from  this  time  till  his  death,  gives  us  his 
life  in  miniature.  The  entries  are  brief,  recording,  for  the 
most  part,  only  the  facts  and  events  of  his  daily  life,  but 
they  are  sufficient  to  show  the  man  as  he  was,  his  zeal  and 
industry,  his  consecration,  his  unselfishness,  his  prayerful- 
ness,  his  firmness.  One  day  we  have  a  record  of  visits  to 
the  people  of  his  charge,  with  a  brief  prayer  for  God's 
blessing  on  each  of  them.  Then  in  liis  study  laboring 
lowly  and  with  but  partial  success  to  prepare  for  the  Sab- 
bath : 


REV.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  91 

<^Felt  unusaally  oppressed  in  spirit.  In  my  study.  An 
unprofitable  day." 

And  again  :  ''  In  my  study  all  day,  but  did  nothing  to- 
wards preparation  for  the  Sabbath.  It  was  one  ot  my 
dark,  unprofitable  days.  Lord,  forgive  my  unprofitable- 
ness." 

But  these  gloomy  seasons  came  only  at  rare  iiitervals. 
More  frequently  he  tells  of  brighter  days  when  he  glides 
smoothly  and  easily  through  his  task  and  study  is  not  a 
weariness  to  the  fiesli,  as  iu  the  following: 

''  At  home  in  my  study,  preparing  a  sermoi  for  the  Sab- 
bath, on  the  '  new  birth.'     Had  a  pleasant  time." 

"A  good  day — studying  text — 'He  that  belie veth  not 
shall  be  damned.'  Felt  great  interest  and  had  more  than 
usual  pleasure  in  preparation." 

And  again  on  the  next  day : 

''  Still  engaged  in  my  preparation  and  did  not  get 
through  tiL  dinner." 

The  Sabbath  was  to  hiui  a  bu?y,  but  delightful  day. 
Always  in  the  Sabbath  School,  to  cheer  and  encourage  by 
his  presence  and  his  example,  he  often  acted  as  teacher  or 
Superintendent.  It  was  a  pleasant  place  to  him.  The 
songs,  the  faces  and  voices  of  the  children,  and  the  con- 
sciousness that  in  all  which  was  going  on,  good  seed  were 
being  sown  in  youthful  hearts,  which  were  to  bring  forth 
fruit  unto  usefulness  here  and  unto  eternal  lii'e  hereafter, 
gave  to  the  place  and  the  exercises  a  charm  v/hich  often 
soothed  him  into  forgetfulness  of  weariness,  weakness  and 
care.  The  Sabbath  School  over,  he  entered  the  pulpit  and 
presented  to  his  congregation  the  great  truths  which  h..d 
occupied  his  mind  during  the  week.  The  amount  of  labor 
which  marked  many  of  his  Sabbaths  must  have  taxed  his 
strength  to  the  utmost.  It  is  not  strange  that  he  should 
have  been  tired  and  felt  little  like  doino^   anvthincr  on  the 


92  MEMOIR  OF 

following  day.     But  we  let  Jiiin  speak  for  himself: 

"  III  ^'al)batli  school  as  Siiperintemlent,  seveDtj  scholars 
in  attendance.  Baptized  Mrs.  M's.  servant,  an  humble 
looking  man.     God  bless  him." 

"Visited  a  Sunday  school  in  thesuburhs  and  opene 
exercises  witli    prayer.     Talked  to  the  children      Visited 
sister    B.  who    is    sinking   f^st     but    is    strong    in    faith. 
Preached  t<>  large   congregations,  in  the    morning  on  'Ty- 
ranny of  sin  ;'  at  night  on  '  Freedom  i\'0-\i  sin.' '' 

The  early  houis  referred  to  in  the  next  item,  were  occa- 
sioned by  the  state  of  the  tide,  which  it  was  necessary  to 
consnlt  in  administering  the  ordinance. 

"  Arose  at  half  past  four.  Ile[)aired  to  the  river  and 
baptized  Miss  F.  A  most  interesting  lime.  Attended 
Sunday  St^hool.  Preached,  communion;  ])reached  again 
at  5  o'clock,  P  M.     Very  good  congregations.'' 

"  Went  to  Sabbath  School.  Preached  at  half  past  ten 
o'clock.  Held  meeting  for  the  colored  peoj.le  in  the  after- 
noon.     Visited  an  afflicted  lady.     Preached  at  night." 

lie  was  always  at  the  weekly  prayer-meeling,  unless 
necessarily  kept  away.  It  was  not  a  formality,  merely  a 
part  of  his  ordinary  routine,  but  a  precious  season  to  him. 
He  seeme  I  to  realize,  and  wished  to  make  others  realize 
that  the  union  of  brethren  in  prayer  at  these  stated  periods 
was  a  living  and  inebtimable  privilege.  To  improve  it  to 
the  utmost,  both  for  himself  and  others,  was  his  constant 
desire. 

Once  a  month  came  the  concert  of  prayer  for  Missions 
which  was  never  forgotten  or  neglected.  The  following 
entry  shows  how  he  regarded  it: 

"  Monday.— Felt  like  resting.  At  night  concert  of 
prayei-  for  Missions.  Collecte<i  $7.00.  Felt  that  it  was 
good  to  try  to  do  something  for  Christ." 

From  these  graver  duties,  which  td,sked  him  heavily,  he 
found  recreation  in  various  ways.     Reading  was  a  constant 


EEV.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  93 

source  of  pleasure  to  him.  lie  had  stocked  his  library  with 
many  of  the  old  authors.  These  were  his  huuiliar  compan- 
ions, his  most  valued  friends,  though  he  kept  up  with  the 
best  pe-iodical  and  other  literature  of  the  (hiy. 

Frequently  he  was  ple.isaiitly  diverted  from  his  regular 
duties  by  vi^ifs  from  his  brethren  in  the  minisriy.  Few 
men  enjoy  such  visits  more,  and  ids  pleasure,  manifested  in 
every  word  and  movement,  made  the  visitor  feel  at  homo 
at  once.  Mau)^,  very  many,  in  dilfercnt  i)arts  of  tlieland, 
will  cherish,  througli  life,  sunny  memories  of  the  genial  and 
hearty  liospitaiity  of  this  servant  of  God.  Tie  was  (specially 
gracious  to  his  younger  bi-ethi'en.  Tlie  struggles  and  hard- 
ships of  his  eaily  life  imparted  to  his  manner  towards  them 
much  of  the  tendei-ness  of  an  elder  brother. 

Extracts  from  his  diary,  such  us  the  following,  could  be 
multiplied  indefinitely  : 

"  eddied  to  Fee  brethren  K —  and  S — .  They  walked  to 
my  house.     The  day  passed  off  most  pleasantly." 

"Went  to  S.  S.  Dr.  K.  addressed  the  se.lionl  atid  preach- 
ed to  a  large  congregation.     Bnjther  S.  i)reached  at  niglit." 

"Went  early  to  visit  the  brethren.  Made  several  calls. 
Church-m(  eting  at  night.     Received  two." 

"  A  rare  day  !  rich  in  enjoyment.  Brethren  K — ,  S — 
and  R — ,  spent  a  })art  of  the  day  Avith  us.  So  pleasant ! 
Much  religious  conversation." 

Ordinarily  these  note?  are  concluded  with  a  prayer  that 
the  visit  may  be  blesbcd  to  the  spiritual  good  of  all  the 
parties. 

He  was  not  unfrequently  called  off  to  otlier  points  to 
preach  occisional  sermons  or  to  assist  in  revivals.  Twice 
this  year  he  went  to  the  assi-tance  of  neighboring  pastors, 
once  to  take  part  in  a  revival  in  Goldsboro.  AVhile  there 
he  wrote  in  his  diary  : 

"  Left  early  for  Goldsboro.     Went  to  prayer  meeting ;  a 


94  MEMOIR   OP 

very  interesting  season.     Many  serious,  and  some  professed. 

"Preaclied  last  night  to  a  crowded  house.  Se^^erai  pro- 
fessed. A  very  interesting  prayer  meeting  tliis  morning. 
House  nearl}^  filled.  I  preaclied  ;  some  found  peace.  Vis- 
ited some.     A  glorious  time  " 

"Prayer  meeting.  (),  it  was  sweet  beyond  expression. 
So  glad  I'm  liere.  The  Lord  is  here.  [Several  piofessed. 
Held  a  meeting  for  young  oaen,  and  pre-^iched  at  night'" 

In  May  <>f  this  year  he  attended  the  meeting  of  the 
Chowan  x\s&ociation,  the  first  time,  we  think,  that  he  had 
visited  the  body  shice  his  connection  with  it  v/as  dissolved. 
It  was  a  sad  and  yet  a  pleasant  season  with  liim,  and  the 
brief  entries  in  his  diary  do  not  express  a  tithe  of  what  his 
full  heart  ex]X)rienced  : 

"Arrived  at  Camden.  i\[et  many  relatives — mother, 
brother,  siister,  &c.  Had  to  preach  the  introductory  ser- 
mon— Rom.  3  :  25,  26. 

To'>k  active  part  in  tlie  deliberations  on  Chowan  Female 
Institute  and  Rfynoldson  Institute.  Met  many  old  and 
dear  friends.     O  how  delightfnl  thus  to  meet. 

Still  had  nmcii  to  say  for  Wake  Forest  College. 

Sunday.  An  immenso  concourse.  Brother  T.  preached 
first  and  i  follov/ed.  Brother  T.  closed.  O  God,  bless  the 
word. 

Brother  and  I  went  to  see  cousins  G.  and  M.  L.  Much 
plea-ant  conversation.  Cousin  C.  gave  me  my  note  for  $25 
and  iuterest  since  Jan.  1839.     Lord,  reward  him. 

All  day  at  my  brother's.  Had  much  conversation  about 
old  times  and  our  lutare  prospects.  Shall  not  ail  meet 
again  on  earth  !" 

Took  leave  of  my  m.other  and  all,  and  went  to  Elizabeth 
City.  Preached  at  night  to  a  crowdt;d  house — 'Able  to 
save  to  the  ntteiTuost,  &c.' 

Eeached  home,  found  all  well.  O  God,  accept  onr 
heartfelt  thanks,  and  bless  and  save  us." 

In  June   he   attended  the  Commencement  exercises   of 


REV.  J.  L    PEICUARD.  95 

Wake  Forest  Colle<^e,  his  Alma  Mater,  in  whose  prosperity 
he  ever  felt  a  deep  interest.     On  his  return  he  wrote  : 

''Reached  lioiiie  at  6,  A.  M. — f^nind  all  well.  Feel  glad 
I  went.  O,  that  somu  good,  may  result  to  me  and  those 
whom  I  met." 

In  Octobtn-  he  attended  the  session  of  the  Union  Associa- 
tion for  the  first  time.  In  November  he  was  a  delegate  to 
the  Baptist  State  Convention  of  Korth  Carolina,  ad  an 
active  participant  in  its  deliberations.  This  was  one  of  the 
most  important  sessions  of  that  body  ever  held.  Indeed  it 
was  the  beginning  of  a  new  era  in  the  history  of  the  e- 
nomination  in  the  Sta'C.  The  addresses  which  were  deliv- 
ered and  the  spirit  which  pervaded  the  assembly  are  stiil 
remembered  by  those  who  were  present.  The  cause  of  be- 
nevolence received  an  impetus  which  is  felt  in  some  meas- 
ure even  now.  In  addition  to  tlie  usual  contributions  to 
mission?,  $25,000  were  secured  for  the  endowment  of  Wake 
Forest  College,  and  $13,000  for  the  erection  of  a  new  hou33 
of  worship  in  Raleigh.  In  such  an  assembly  no  one 
more  at  home  than  the  subject  of  tliis  memoir;  none  felt 
more  deeply  the  importance  of  the  objects  under  conside- 
ration, spoke  more  earnestly  or  gave  more  freely  in  support 
of  them. 

The  3' ear  closed  prosperously  for  him.  His  steady  per- 
severance in  pursuing  his  studies  under  severe  trials  H.iid 
great  discouragements  in  early  life,  the  reputation  for  schol- 
arship and  piety,  with  which  he  graduated,  and  his  labors 
in  Virginia,  had  prepared  the  Baptists  of  JSTorth  Carolina  to 
receive  him  favoral)ly.  When  he  came  among  them  once 
more,  his  social  qualities,  chastened  and  perfected  by  Divine 
grace,  and  the  ability  and  enlightened  zeal  with  which  he 
advocated  every  good  cause,  raised  still  higher  their  estimate 
of  the  man  and  extended  the  sphere  of  his  influence  and 
usefulness. 


96  MEMOIR   OP 

In  his  pastoral  relaHoiis  he  was  equally  favored.  The 
j^e-ir  was  one  of  arduous  l;d)or  and  of  seveie  trials.  He 
had  to  explore  the  gi-onnr],  seek  out  and  gathfr  together 
his  scattered  fleck,  ascertain  their  condition  and  wants,  and 
eecnre  their  confidence  atid  affection,  so  tliat  they  would 
follow  and  co-operate  with  him  tlirough  the  coming  years. 
To  God  he  looked  for  direction  in  a  woik  so  difficult  and 
delicate,  and  he  did  not  h:>t)k  in  vain.  Twelve  persons  were 
briptized  during  the  yeai',  and  i  b  close  saw  the  church  re- 
vived and  united,  and  the  hearts  of  the  people  bound  to 
their  pastor  by  ties  i-  strong  as  death.  This  last  result 
would  have  followed  in  the  regular  -  ourse  of  ti.ings,  but 
it  was  accomplished  much  sooner  than  isus'ial,  and  mainly 
through  the  blessed  ministry  t  sanctified  suffering.  C(»m- 
mencirig  in  Apiil  umiI  extending  through  a  period  of  sev- 
eral months  are  entries  in  iiis  diary  such   as  the  following: 

''In  mv  study  till  4,  P.  '.,  when  I  attended  the  funjial 
of  sister  B.— text:  Psalms  116  :  15.  Many  out.  The  tir.-t 
of  our  members  buried  i  C'  niy  settlement  here.  (>  that 
all  mav  be  as  well  prepared  as  was  she.  She  died  in 
Christ.'' 

'' Called  early  to  see  ]\Iiss  C.  F."  (nn  p  imah"'e  young 
lady,  daughter  of  o  i<   of  his  deacoi  ,)  "who  is  very  ill." 

"  Went  to  see  Mis  '".  F.,  found  h  extreniely  a.  Con- 
versed and  prayed  with  her.  S^e  died  at  12,  M.  I  h-ip- 
tized  a  colored  woman  at  2,  P.  M.,  and  ])reached  at  night.'^ 

"Preached  iMiss  C.  P's.  funeral  sermon —  Be  ye  also 
ready,  &c." 

"  At  four  and  a  half,  A.  M.  Sister  J.  sent  for  me  to  go 
and  pray  for  her  husband.  I  went,  found  him  very  ill,  m 
great  axiety.  Prayed  with  him.  He  died  about  12,  M. 
A  distressed  family  I     O  Lord       '■     them." 

*'  Made  several  calls.  Found  E.  T.  sick  in  in  bed,  but 
rejoicing  in  Christ." 

"  Brother  D.  very  ill.     All    very  much  afflicted.     Sym- 


REV.  J.  L.  PlilCllARD.  97 

pntliizn  wifli  tlicm.     Little  Ucnrj  0.  ciiv^d!     Called  to  see 
the  family." 

"Preiebod  little  IPs  funeral  ;  tlieii  wont  to  Dr.  D's. 
Qait*^  ill.     ReTiiuincd  with  him  most  of  the  day." 

"Mide  inMiiy  calls.  Had  reliij;-ious  conversation  and 
i:)rayer  with  most  of  the  families." 

These  l)rief  notes  express  volumes.  They  tell  of  the 
smitten  f')ld  and  the  constant,  ten  !er  ministrations  of  the 
faittiful  shephei'd,  p:)inting  tde  sie'i  and  dyin^  to  the 
Friend  of  sinners,  and  then  turning  to  the  bereaved  and 
sorrowing  ones,  in  their  desolation  of  spiiit,  with  words  of 
tearful  sympathy  and  heavenly  consolation.  Yerilj',  he 
had  hi,^  iewa!d 

Soon  his  time  of  trial  came  and  he  had  need  of  that 
sympathy  which  he  had  so  freely  extended  to  others.  Nor 
was  it  withheld.     He  notes  it  tini^-  : 

"  Quite  sick;  had  a  chill  and  fever  Ust  ni^ht ;  sent     or 
Do(?tor;  compieiely  prostrated.     Felt  I   whs  a    worm    and 
no  man.     Free  fr  m  pain,  but  did  not  sleep  any  la  ;t  night. 
Many  sjnt  to  inquire,  or  camj  to  s  e  ns." 

^'Srill  on  mv  bed,  but  more  comf  )rta!)ie.  Many  friends 
called.  All  seem  very  kind.  Oh  !  to  be  humbled  and  have 
this  affliction  sanctified." 

"Isot  quite  so  well.  Quite  exhausted.  Concluded  I 
could  not  go  out  on  Sabbacli  and  baptize.  Felt  disappoint- 
ed." 

How  great  a  trial  this  was,  may  be  i  if -rred  from  the 
fact,  that  this  wjis  the //\*?5  time,  as  he  rem-irked,  that  he 
had  ever  been  prevented  from  tilling  'lis  regular  Sabbath 
appointment,  from  jpersoiial  indis  >3-  tion.  But  a  greater 
affliction  awaited  him.     He  thus  records  it : 

"  Little  Jemuiie,"  his  son,  "  taken  sick." 

This  little  boy  nearly  five  years  eld,  wis  a  specially 
cherished  object  of  affection  because  of  many  little  attrac- 
tive ways,  and  in  view  of  what  seemed  to    his   loving   pa- 


68  MEMOIR   OF 

rents  to  be  a  peculiar  precocity  of  mitid.  He  liad  become 
deeply  interested  in  the  exercises  of  the  Sunday  school,  and 
was  always  pi'epared  to  repeat  his  hymn  which  had  been 
memorized.  Though  quite  sick  on  Saturday,  he  was  suf- 
ficiently improved  on  Sunday  to  appear  in  his  class.  xlU 
the  hymns  in  his  book  liad  been  previously  repeated,  up  to 
the  ISth,  and  on  this  morning,  he  recited  those  beautiful 
lines  : 

"  Wc  infiints  sing, 
To  Christ  our  king 
A  song  of  praise  and  love  ; 
The  lisping  praise 
Which  now  we  raise, 
Is  beard  in  heaven  above. 

"Twas  babes  like  us 
Whom  thou  didst  bless, 
Dear  Lord,  and  honored  much. 
*  Forbid  them  not  ' 
Were  his  kind  words, 
'  My  kingdom  is  of  such.' 

**  Kind  Savior  still 
On  Zion's  hill 
Oh,  bless  our  infant  band  ; 
And  be  thou  near. 
When  storms  appear 
To  shield  us  with  thy  hand. 

Thus  far  he  repeated.  The  last  verse  he  was  to  recite 
on  the  following  Sunday  : 

"  The  ocean  crossed, 
No  wanderer  lost, 
May  we  the  haven  gain, 
To  join  the  throng 
And  swell  the  song 
Of  cherubs'  raptured  strain." 

But  ere  the  next  meeting  of  the  Sunday  school,he  Lad  cros- 
sed the  ocean,"  had  gained  the  haven,  and  was  swelling  the 
song  of  the  redeemed. 

This  will  prepare  the  reader  to  understand  the  deep  feel- 
ing with  which  the  father  adudes  to  the  brief  illness  and 


REV.    J.    L.    PRICHARD.  99 

iroexpected  death  of  his  darling  boy.     To  return  to  the  di- 
ary/ 

"J.  better  and  wer.t  to  Sabbatli  schooL  83  schohirs. 
Communion  ;  received  seven  menibeis  Preached  tVv'ice. 
J's  fever  returned  ;  quite  sick  all  night.'' 

"J.  no  better— worse!  Dr.  D  c^me  5  or  six  times.  A 
day  of  great  anxiety.  O  Lord  help  us!  Save  Lord  !  lie 
is  thin e"".  7'?^^'// ^m5'^^/i  2;At^e,/(/r  i^A^w  7.o/Z^  do  only  right. 
O,  what  a  night  !     Thought  J.  would  die." 

"  Our  deaf'little  Jemmie  teemed  better — only  seemed  so, 
was  delighted  with  flowers  a  little  friend  sent  him.  Soon 
grew  worse  and  worse  until  7,  P.  M.,  when  he  breathed  his 
last !  O  God  i.e  with  us  for  Chri>t's  sake  !    Friends  so  kind," 

"  Our  sweet  litth^  A.  was  taken  sick  at  2,  A.  M.  Lord, 
we  know  not  what  is  in  the  future  ibr  us,  nor  would  v/e. 
Passing  under  the  rod,  and  through  the  deep  waters.  O 
Lord,  sustain  us  and  sanctify  all  to  our  good.  Sat  up  all 
night." 

The  following  extracts  are  from  letters  written  during  this 
time  of  trial.  After  speaking  of  the  extreme  illness  of  his 
little  son,  In?  writes  : 

"Evpry thing  was  done,  no  doubt,  that  could  be.  Many 
of  our  brethren  and  sisters  came  in  and  manifested  all  possi- 
ble kindness,  lie  continued  to  grow  worse  until  about 
one,  A.  M.,  when  it  seemed  he  must  sink,  unless  some  re- 
lief could  be  given.  It  was  a  most  solemn  time.  All  the 
children  were  called  up,  as  we  supposed,  to  see  our  sweet 
little  Jemmie  die.  But  presently  the  blisters  drew  and 
that  seemed  to  revive  him.  He  had  failed  to  recognize  m, 
and  could  not  talk.  Wiiile  Sifter  C.  was  dressing  his  blis- 
ters his  consciousness  and  speech  returned.  This  morning 
he  seemed  more  quiet  and  indeed  much  better^;  but 
he  is  far  from  being  out  of  danger,  novr  past  3,  P.  M. 
Much  and  fervent  prayer  has  been,  and  still  is  offered  for 
his  recovery." 

The  hopes  of  all  were  disappointed,  and  in  a  few  hours 
the  little  sufferer  passed  from  his  earthly  home  to 
one   in    heaven,  to    be    followed    in  a  few    short    yeai*s 


100  MEMOIR   OF 

by  ]iis  devoted  fiitlier.  Tooetlier,  tlieir  eartldj  forms 
rest  in  Oakdale  Cemetery,  Wihnitigton,  far  fi'uiu  kiiidi'ed, 
but  anions;  thobC,  some  of  wliotn,  at  le;ist,  will  lon^:  remem- 
ber tliG  fairhfnl  ministry  of  tliuir  devoted  pastor.  To  a 
friend  he  vv'rote  : 

Aug.  Otli. — A.  is  certainly  better.  We  feel  much  en- 
conrai^ed  to  hope  that  she  will  soon  be  up  agtin.  Oar 
friends  are  so  Jcind.  Th«»y  do  all  they  can  to  assuage  our 
grief  I  am  sure  they  t-nily  sympathizj  with  us.  We  are 
trying  to  hear  onr  aiflioriivi  with  becoming  resiiJ^nation. 
I  desire  t  >  learn  the  lesson  Clod  would   teach  us.     '''' 


'^ 


On.  sweut  little  Jenimie  is  buried  in  brotlnir  F's.  lot  in 
the  cemjreiy.  ilis  cotiin  is  enclo-ed  in  a  strong  box,  with 
ref^*rencj  t<j  having  it  removed  to  my  own  gi-ound  after 
awhile." 

We  resume  the  extracts  from  the  journal : 

"Aug.  9th.— At  home  all  day.     Felt  lonely.     Afflicted." 

"l>th. — Made  some  reniarks  at   k^unday  School.     Much 

aifected,    so    were    all.     Preached — Ilom.  \iii:    17.     Felt 

somewhat    relieved.     Brother    K.    preached    at    5,  P.  M. 

Many  friends  called  in  after  pi-eaching." 

'*  Rode  to  the  cemetery  wich  wife,  sister  and  little  A. 
We  went  to  our  little  J's.  grave. 

"  Thou  art  gone  to  the  grave. 
But  we  will'uot  deplore  thee." 

Attended  the  funeral  of  Brother  B.  at  9,  A.  M.  After 
coming  homt'  lad  a  chill.     Felt  discouraged." 

lie  an  1  each  member  of  his  family  were  quite  sick  for 
several  days.  In  this  season  of  sulfering  and  anxiety  he 
wrote : 

"  Thus  all  are  being  afflicted  to-night.  Lord  help  us, 
we've  no  other  help." 

The  storm  could  not  last  forever.  lie,  who  holds  the 
seas  in  the  hollow  of  his  hands,  spoke  and  the  winds  were 
hushed  into  silence,  and  the  glad  sunshine  and  the  fair  sky 
appeared    again,  wearing   a  milder,  softer   loveliness  than 


KEV.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  101 

ever  before.  The  dawning  of  this  brighter  dav  is  thus  re- 
corded : 

"  Felt  quite  feeble.  Went  into  Sunday  School.  Much 
affected,  htaripg  the  singing.  Thought  of  deai*  little  J. 
Pi-eached  troni  '  h'  any  man  will  come  after  me,  etc' 
Conimunion.     Only  one  service." 

"  Felt  tliaidvful  that  the  health  of  rny  family  and  my 
own  is  much  better.  lieading  in  my  study,  and  t'eel  tliat'l 
enjoy  it,  alter  a  long  interruption.  Arranged  my  thoughts 
for  tln^  Sabbath.      O,  to  be  })re})ared." 

With  the  return  of  liealfch  to  hioiself  and  liis  family  he 
devoted  himself  witli  subdued  and  chastened  spiiit  but 
with  renewed  energ^^  to  his  legitimate  work.  His  afflic- 
tions had  been  severe  but  he  neither  murmured  nor  com- 
plained. He  recognized  the  hand  of  God  in  them  all  and 
believed  wliat  he  now  sees  from  the  serene  and  blissful 
home  which  filled  so  large  a  place  in  his  heart  while  on 
earth,  tiiat  they  v»^ere  sent  in  infinite  wisdom  and  infinite 
love.  The  prayer,  which  he  so  frequently  ofi'ered  up,  that 
these  trials  might  be  sanctified  to  his  own  good  and  that  of 
the  churcli,  was  heard  and  granted.  His  ministrations  at 
the  bed-ide  of  the  sick  and  the  dying,  and  his  words  of  com- 
fort to  the  bereaved  ones  gave  him  a  firm  hold  on  eveiy 
heart,  on  some  who  could  not  have  been  reached  in  any 
other  wny.  In  like  manner  their  kindness  to  him  when  he 
was  passing  through  the  deep  waters  endeared  them  to 
him  by  ties  wliieli  neither  toil,  nor  care  nor  the  fiight  of 
years  could  se/er  or  loosen.  He  purchased  a  lot  in  Oak- 
dale  Cemetery  and  transferred  little  Jemmie's  remains  to 
it.  Thenceforvrai'd  Wilmington  seemei  to  be  the  home  of 
his  heart  as  it  had  been  in  reality  before.  He  felt  that 
here  his  earthly  labors  for  the  Master  were  to  end.  How 
true !     Alas,  that  they  should  have  ended  so  soon  ! 

The  following  entries  are  found  at  this  time  in  his  diarv  : 


o 


102  MEMOIR  OF 

^'I  have  removed  the  remains  of  my  dear  child  to  the 
new  lot!  I  leel  so  thankful  it  is  done.  'There  sweet  be 
his  rest,  &c.'     I  went  to  the  cemetery  twice  to-day. 

ITth.  — With  brother  Mitchell,  agent  for  W.  ¥.  College. 
I  do  not  enjoy  this  so  well,  but  it  must  be  done,  the  col- 
lege must  be  endowed. 

22nd. — I  went  to  the  cemetery  and  saw  the  tomb-stone 
erected  by  the  SiuuJay  School  of  Froat  Street  Baptist 
Chnrch,  to  the  memory  of  our  dear  little  James. 

23rd. — Intensely  cold,  blowing  almost  a  gale.  In  doors 
all  day.  Much  interested  in  reading  the  Christian  Review. 
Sat  up  late  and  read  aloud  in  'Rise  of  the  Dutch  Re- 
public' 

27th. — Made  up  a  little  amount  to  present  to  a  brother 
minister.  Found  no  difhculty  at  all.  O,  there  is  a  real 
pleasure  in  trying  to  do  good! 

28th. — Beautiful  morning — in  the  Sunday  School. — 
Preached  on  Eetrospedion.  'Thou  shalt  rem.ember  all  the 
way,  &c.' 

29th. — Clnirch  meeling— large  number  out — did  much 
lousiness. 

30th. — Met  the  committee  to  con-iult  about  building  a 
new  church.'' 

The  new  year  dawned  on  a  happy  christian  household. 
The  old  year  had  seen  them  sorely  tried  under  the  chasten* 
iug  rod,  and  from  that  little  group  one  cherished  form  had 
gone  out  to  return  never  more.  But  faith  had  recognized 
in  these  trials  the  Hand  that  doch  not  willingly  afflict,  and 
this  morning,  as  they  gathered  around  the  family  altar, 
gratitude  for  past  mercies  and  blessings,  and  hope  for  the 
future  filled  each  heart.  What  a  pleasing  picture  is  pre- 
sented in  the  following  brief  extract  from   Mr.   P's.   diary , 

"1857  Jan.  1st. — Aro^e  early  and  all  the  family  joined 
in  reading  the  tirst  chapter  of  Genesis.  Sang  a  new  year's 
hymn  and  prayed." 

All  through  this  year  he  was  earnestly  engaged  in  efforts 
to  promote  the  spiritual  well  being  of  the  church.     These 


HEY.   J.   L.   PKICHAED.  103 

efforts,  if  judged  by  til c  apparent  and  iinmediato  results, 
were  only  partially  successful.  But  his  labor  was  not  in 
vain  in  the  Lord.  The  blessing  was  delayed  for  a  while 
but  came  in  rich  measure  at  leng^h. 

We  introduce  a  f3w  items  from  the  diary  of  this  year, 
illustrating  something  of  the  nature  of  his  varied  employ- 
ments. Attendance  at  the  commencement  of  Wake  Forest 
College  is  thus  referred  to  : 

"June  lOtli, — To  day  Dr.  Hooper  delivered  a  very  able 
address,  on  '  The  sacredness  of  human  life  and  American 
disre2:ard  of  it.'  Had  interestins^  conversation  with  breth- 
ren. 

11th. — Commencement  day.     Six  graduates." 

On  reaching  home  he  wrote  : 

"13th.  -Remained  at  home  all  day,  trying  to  get  ready 
for  Sabbath.     Felt  very  tired. 

23d. — Making  arrpvUgements  for  Sabbath  School  pic-nic. 

2i-th. — Pleasant  morning.  Feel  so  thankful.  Sabbatli 
School  met  at  the  chui-ch  and  went  to  the  '  Oaks.'  Air.  F. 
made  a  speecli  at  11  o'clock  and  we  had  dinner  about  12 
1-2.  At  least  150  present.  All  passed  off  nqvj  pleasantly. 
Got  home  about  5  F.  M. 

July  1st. — In  my  study,  preparing  sermon  on  the  sub- 
ject of  Election — tha*-  much  misunderstood  doctrine. 

5th.. — Ninety-one  scholars  at  Sundny  School.  Preached 
on  Election.  A  very  large  and  attentive  congregation. 
Attendea  funeral  at  4  1-2  o'clock,  P.  M.  Baptized,  at  5  12, 
six  colored  persons.  Preached  at  night  on  E Lection — 
crowd. 

6th. — Felt  so  much  better  than  I  expected.  "Worked  in 
my  flower  garden  till  9.  Went  to  Post  Office.  Spent  the 
day  in  reading  and  writing. 

7th — Endeavoring  to  prepare  to  meet  the  most  plausible 
objections  Vo  the  doctrine  of  election. 

8th. — Delii>httul  morning,  so  cool  and  pleasant.  Little 
J.  quite  unwell — went  for  the  doctor.  Busily  engaged  in 
Sabbath  preparations,  particularly  in  an  endeavor  to  show, 
that  though  there  are  mysteries  and  difficulties  connected 


104  MEMOIR  OP 

witli  Election,  yet  not  more  tlian  with  otlier   Joctrinos  re- 
ceived.    It  is  tu  be  believer),  r-ot  nnders •"()()(]. 

]Oth.  '  O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  mercies  '  Little 
J.  is  better.  Die  ot  er  children  well.  Spent  the  day  in 
readintr. 

12tli. — Prcacl  ed— *OIro3tions  to  Eh-ciion  considered,' 
preliminary  to  a  fuller  answer  tonight.  Preached  to- 
il ii>;ht. 

15rh. — \n  my  study  all  day,  readins:  and  arranp^ing  for 
a  serm  >n,  on  the  i/npoHariCci  of  a  right  tender  standing  of 
doctrmf's,  in  order  to  peace  of  inind  and  hapjnness. 

2Gth. — Baj)iized  three  col  )red  persons. 

31st. — Took  M.  a! id  R.  and  went  to  Lenoii-  county,  via 
Gold^boro.  At  Mosely  Hall,  met  many  of  the  brethrcm 
and  sisters,  Went  to  bntthej*  VV's — ho  at  pleasant  a  family. 
What  lii^lds  of  cotton  and  corn,  and  plenty  of  tVuit. 

AuGOST  2Md. — Sabi)ath.  Brother  G.  preached  from  I. 
Kinjrs  viil  :  'I'o.  I  preached  troiu  'Mercy  and  truth  !!ra'e 
met,  &c.' 

r)th  —  Dear  little  James  died  one  year  ago  to-day.  Re- 
turned home. 

8th. — kS[)enL  the  morning  in  study.  The  healdi  of  all  is 
quite  rood  now.  I  desire  to  be  truly  thardvfiil  for  all  our 
mercies, 

12th— Feel  (juite  feeble.  Called  to  see  iMr.  IL  ;  deliv- 
ered W's.  dying  me-sage  to  him.  Talked  ami  prayed  with 
him.  It  is  very  warm.  Shall  endeavor  to  keep  close  in 
the  house  out  oi*  the  sun.  O  Lord,  grant  me  and  my  fam- 
ily health  and  strength  to  labor  for  thee. 

23rd. — Sabbath.  One  hundred  and  four  in  Sunday 
School  ;  good  congregation.  Preached  from  Psalm  viii  :  8. 
Enjoyed  the  services  \(ivy  much.  A  good  da,y.  Lord, 
bless. 

Some  months  after  his  death,  a  gentleman  heaiing  his 
name  mentioned,  remarked  :  ''  Being  detained  in  Wilming- 
ton once,  I  att^?nded  the  Baptist  church  and  heard  Mr.  P. 
preach  on  the  pr  per  observance  of  the  Sabbath.  I 
was  at  that  time  connected  with  the  railroad,  and  compell- 


REV.    J.    L.   PRICHARD.  105 

ed  to  travel  on  the  Sabbath.  I  was  convinced  by  his  ser- 
mon that  I  conld  not  consistency  continue  in  this  business, 
and  so  resigned  my  situation." 

30th. — Preached  on  '  Observance  of  Lord's  Day,'  and 
at  night  on  '  Taking  the  name  of  God  in  vain.'  I  enjoy- 
ed the  day  very  much.  O  that  a  rich  blessing  may  at- 
tend the  labors  of  God's  people. 

Early  in  the  Spring  of  the  following  year,  1858,  Wil- 
mington was  visited  with  the  most  remarkable  religious 
awakening  ever  known  in  that  city.  It  extended  to  all  the 
religious  denominations,  and  continued  more  than  two 
months.  For  a  time  religion  was  the  most  prominent  topic 
of  thought  and  conversation  among  all  classes  of  the  citi 
zens.  The  Baptist  churches  shared  largely  in  these  gra- 
cious influences.  The  First  church  was  especially  favored. 
Her  strength  was  much  increased,  whether  we  consider 
the  numbers  added  to  her  fold  or  the  renewed  spiritual  life 
imparted  to  the  whole  body. 

Mr.  P's.  diary,  as  illustrating  his  mode  of  life  at  this 
time : 

"  11th. — In  my  study  and  found  it  good  to  make  prepara- 
tion for  to-night.  Felt  a  deep  interest  in  being  prepared 
for  this  meeting.  I  was  also  studying  Ps.  cxxxiii,  for 
Sabbath  morning.  O  God,  give  me  and  give  us  all,  as  a 
church,  the  goodness  and  pleasantness  and  the  blessing  of 
that  Psalm.  There  was  quite  a  good  number  out  at  night 
and  I  enjoyed  the  meeting  very  much. 

12th. —  A  most  delightful  day  in  my  study.  Sat  up  till 
eleven  reading  'Livingstone's  travels  in  South  Africa.' 
It  is  a  thrilling  book.  O,  that  there  were  more  Bowens, 
Livingstones,  &c.     Lord,  send  many  good  men  to  Africa. 

18th. — I  spent  the  entire  day  with  mv  family,  in  read- 
ing the  papers,  Eecorder,  Herald,  Journal  of  Commerce, 
&c.,  tfcc.  It  was  a  rare  treat  for  me  and  I  enjoyed  it 
much.  It  was  stormy  without^  but  a  good  coal  fire, 
healthy,  playful  children  and  affectionate  wife,  made  it 

7 


106  MEMOIR  OF 

siinsliiny  within,      A  sweet  day.     Lord,  sanctify  it  to  us 
all. 

14th. — Sabbath.  Text — cxxxiii  Psalm,  O,  it  was  a  sweet 
time  to  me,  and  I  think  to  many.  May  it  indeed  prove  a 
great  blessing  to  the  chnrch.  Preached  at  night  on  'Trans- 
iiguration.'     Congregation  very  attentive. 

18th. — In  my  study.  Could  not  get  my  mind  interest- 
ed as  I  sometimes  have  it.  There  was  a  dullness,  a  slug- 
gishness, which  I  could  not  overcome.  O,  to  be  free  from 
these  clogs. 

19 th. — How  different  a  day  from  yesterday.  lean  truly 
say,  I  felt  it  good  to  be  here.  Had  to  read  much  in  rela- 
tion to  my  subject. 

21st.— 'Went  earlj^,  at  eight,  to  attend  a  funeral.  Back  to 
Sunday  School;  oiie  hundred  and  forty-three  i>re3ent. — 
Preached — Luke  xvii  :  2.  At  2,  P.  M.,  attended  a  funeral 
over  the  Railroad.     Preached  at  niglit. 

26th.  Borrowed  a  volume  of  Webster's  works,  and  read 
his  argument  on  the  Girard  College,  to  my  great  delight 
and,  I  trust,  profit.  Read  several  articles  bearing  on 
the  christian  ministry,  and  then  commenced  preparing  a 
discourse  on  that  subject,  and  continued  until  eleven  and 
could  have  continued  much  longer,  but  felt  1  ought  to 
sleep, 

28th. — A  lovely  morning.  One  hundred  and  tliirty-three 
in  Sunday  School.  A.  large  congregation.  Preached  on 
the  '  Christian  Ministry,  its  nature,  object  and  claims,'  Isa. 
lii  :  9,  Nalium  I  :  15,  Rom.  x  :  15.  Took  up  a  collection 
for  our  Beneficiaries,  $28.  At  2,  P.  M.,  baptized  two  per- 
sons. A  very  large  crowd  and  very  good  attention.  At- 
tennedmy  Bible  class,  rested  a  little  and  preached  again  at 
night. 

»  March  5th. — In  my  study,  finished  ray  sermon  for  Sun 
day  morning,  and  after  dinner  commenced  one  for  the 
night.  Spent  the  evening  reading  the  papers.  Amidst  all 
my  cares  and  anxieties,  I  have  my  joys  and  delights. 

I4th. —  One  of  the  loveliest  of  mornings.  So  clear,  mild 
and  calm.  The  beautiful' river  reflects  every  object.  One 
hundred  and  twenty  in  Sunday  School.  A  large  congrega- 
tion and  very  attentive.     *  Behold  1  lay  in  Zion,  for  a  foun- 


REV.  J.  L    PRICHARD.  107 

ilation,  a  stone,  &c.'  Bible  class  at  three.  A  goodly  num- 
ber out.  Enjoj^ed  it  much.  Lord  bless  these  humble  el- 
forts.  Preached  at  night  from,  '  If  any  man  build  npon 
this  foundation,  etc'     Read  till  eleven. 

The  beginnings  of  the  gracious  revival  to  which  we  have 
referred  above  are  indicated  in  the  extracts   which  follow  : 

"15th. — Rose  at  live  and  lelt  entirely  refreshed  by  sleep. 
The  most  spring-like  morning  yet.  Went  to  prayer-meet- 
ing. About  twenty-three  out  and  a  most  delis^htfal  time. 
Called  to  see  Mr.  M.,  talked  and  prayed;  and  at  brother 
A's.,  talked  and  prayed.  Went  to  Dr.  JD's.  prayer- 
meeting,  prayed.  Thirty -three  ladies  at  Society.  Went 
to  brother  R's.  meeting." 

"  March  16th. — At  sunrise  prayer-meeting  again  this 
morning.  About  forty -five  persons  there  It  was  a  pre- 
cious season.  At  night  preached  from  Rev.  ii :  5.  The 
congregation  was  large  and  attentive.  Three  knelt  for 
prayer.     Lord,  ble^s  all.'' 

"  March  l?th. — -At  sunrise  prayer-meeting  again.  A 
large  number  out.  It  was  one  of  the  sweetest  meetmgs  I 
ever  attended.  Preached  at  night  from  Isaiah  53  :  12.  Sev- 
eral knelt  for  prayer." 

"  March  2ord.— Cloudy  and  raining  hard,  but  a  large  con- 
gregation at  the  prayer-meeting.  It  was  a  melting  time. 
O  for  the  Spirit's  power.  Lord,  grant  it  to  thy  people  to- 
day. Preached  at  night — text,  ^Iatt.  11 :  27,  30.  A  pre- 
cious meeting.     Lord  bless  the  eiforts." 

"April  15th. — Just  one  month  ago  we  commenced  our 
sunrise  prayer- meetings.  This  morning  we  came  together 
to  thank  God  for  what  he  had  already  done  for  us  all.  A 
more  delightful  season  I  have  not  yet  enjoyed." 

Thus  the  record  runs  on  through  April  and  May.  The 
♦sunrise  prayer  meeting  was  the  first  labor  of  the  day. 
Then  visiting  among  his  people  till  10,  A.  M.,  or  12,  M., 
when  he  usually  attended  a  prayer  meeting  in  another  j^art 
of  the  city.  In  the  afternoon  a  brief  interval  of  rest,  then 
among  his  people  again,  and  in  the  pulpit  at  night.     The 


108  ME3I0IR   OF 

labor  was  herculean,  but  he  loved  it,  and  it  was  not  till 
near  the  close  that  he  showed  signs  of  failing  strength. 
His  diary  makes  occasional  mention  of  assistance  from  vis- 
iting ministers,  as  in  the  following  : 

"  Makch    30th. — Brother   McA ,    of  Sampson,  took 

tea  with  us,  and  preached  at  night.  'Be  ye  also  ready." 
A  heavenly  meeting." 

^'  Apkil  2Tth. — Brother  K — y,  of  Duplin,  preached — 
Eph.  3:8.  A  good  sermon.  Congregation  large,  serious 
and  attentive.     Many  asked  for  prayer  in  their  behalf." 

These  visits  of  his  bretliren  in  the  niinistry  were  very 
refreshing  to  him,  but  they  did  not  come  often  during  the 
progress  of  this  gracious  work.  xMost  of  the  time  he  was 
alone. 

Two  letters  of  his  written  at  this  period  have  been  pre- 
served.    We  make  the  following  extracts  : 

Wilmington,  Mat  21&t,  1858. 
*         *         -^         *         -jf         ^         ->i-         -xr         Ti-         ^         v:- 

I  was  truly  glad  to  hear  of  the  interest  in  the  college  and 
in  the  Cxrace  Street  Church.  O,  that  it  m»y  become  more 
deep  and  general.  I  am  sorry  I  have  not  time  now  to  an- 
swer J's.  letter.  I  remember  preaching  from  the  text  to 
which  he  alludes.  1  believed  it  then^  1  know  it  novj.  We 
still  continue  our  morning  prayer- meetings,  and  they  are 
still  very  interesting  and  profitable  to  many  of  us.  Sev- 
eral saj,  '  Don't  give  them  up.'  On  Wednesday  night  we 
held  a  nieeting  for  attending  to  the  regular  business  of  the 
church.  My  heart  was  deeply  affected  when  I  saw  so 
many  there,  members  of  the  church,  who  a  short  time  ago 
were  in  their  sins.  Our  meeting  was  a  delighful  one.  The 
interest  has  very  sensibly  subs-ided,  but  there  is  a  very 
happy  state  of  things  and  several  are  anxious.       "       ^       "' 

I  feel  amazed  at  myself,  that  I  have  not  felt  more  the 
effects  of  my  arduous  and  protracted  labors.  I  have  de- 
termined to  take  a  week  or  two  of  rest,  lest  I  should  not  be 
able  to  stand  the  Avarmer  weather  that  is  now  at  hand.  I 
now  think  ot  leaving  home  on  Monday  week  for  Richmond  ^ 


REY.    J.   L.   PEICHAED.  109 

thence  to  tlie  General  Association  of  Virginia ;  and  from 
thence  to  Commencement  at  AVake  Forest.  Do  not  feel 
disappointed  if  I  do  not  come,  for  life  and  health  are  very 
uncertain.  I  anticipate  no  little  pleasnre,  however,  if  it 
be  the  will  of  God  to  permit  me  to  visit  yon  all  once  more 
and  to  see  the  brethren  whom  I  so  mnch  love  in  tlie  Lord." 
^  .r  *  ^  *  '^  -:r  -JS- 

The  text  allnded  to  in  the  above  letter  was  :  ''  They  that 
sow  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy."  lie  kneiu  by  experience  the 
truth  of  the  declaration  in  the  happy  revival  through 
which  he  had  just  passed. 

Wilmington,  May  14th,  1858. 

'^  My    Dkar :     Your   very  welcome  letter    w^as 

received,  and  we  were  truly  glad  to  hear  of  the  welfare  of 
the  family,  and  also  the  encouraging  prospects  of  tiie  For- 
eign Mission  13oard.  I  trust  I  do  feel  a  deep  interest  in 
all  that  relates  to  the  Kedeemer's  kingdom  at  home  and 
abroad.  Since  I  last  wrote,  nothing  of  special  interest  has 
occurred  in  our  meetings.  Sunday  was  indeed  a  delightful 
day  with  us  as  a  church.  It  is  so  different  from  what  it 
used  to  be.  The  young  men's  prayer-meeting  is  very  in- 
teresting, many  of  the  young  men  praying  and  giving  a 
word  of  exhortation.  There  is  a  very  interesting  state  of 
things  among  our  colored  people  in  all  the  churches.  There 
were  thirty  or  forty  anxious  enquirers  in  our  church,  Sun- 
day afternoon.  I  could  not  attend.  Several  of  the  brethren 
met  with  them  and  the  colored  brethren  mostly  conducted 
their  own  meetings.  Our  sunrise  prayer-meetings  are  still 
continued,  though  by  no  means  so  largely  attended  as  for- 
merly. But  I  think  they  are  sweeter,  if  possible,  than 
before. 

Last  night  we  had  a  thanksgiving  meeting  to  return  God 
special  thanks  for  what  he  had  doT^e  for  our  town  and  espe- 
cially for  our  church.  And  notwithstanding  Dr.  Hawks 
lectured  before  the  '  Mount  Yernon  Association,'  we  had  a 
very  large  congreo'ation  and  the  services  were  of  a  most 
interesting  character.  The  singing  was  spirited,  the  pray- 
ers fervent,  and  the  remarks  of  some  of  the  young  con  verts 


110  MEMOIR  OF 

most  impressive.  An  old  man.  a  sailor  for  over  thirty 
years,  and  a  Catholic — a  Scotchman  by  birth,  spoke  of  his 
thankfulness  to  God  that  he  had  been  permitted  to  live  to 
attend  this  meeting  and  find  the  Saviour,  &c.     -^     *     *     ^ 

Most  sincerely  do  we  sympathize  with  sister  R.  and  all 
the  family  in  the  loss  of  one  so  dear  to  us  all.  But  no  ! 
she  is  not  lost,  even  to  ns.  '  She  is  not  dead  but  sleopeth.' 
Present  to  the  afflicted  family  our  kindest  regards. 

AVe  thought  and  spoke  of  you  all  3'esterday  and  last 
night.  May  God  bless  our  dear  broth^^r  and  sister  and 
make  them  a  great  blessing  to  one  another  and  to  many 
others      Love  to  all. 

Truly  yours, 

J.  L.  Prichaud/' 

On  the  31st  of  May  he  writes  in  his  diary  : 
"  Awoke  early.     Thought  of  the  sunrise  prayer-meetings 
which  I  had  been   attending  so  long  and   with   so    much 
pleasure  and  profit.     Lifted  my  lieart  to  God   in  supplica- 
tion for  all  who  attended  them." 

The  daily  meetings  are  over.  During  their  continuance 
nearly  one  hundred  members  have  been  added  to  the 
church,  and  the  whole  body  has  been  awakened  into  new 
life  and  activity.  The  pastor,  worn  down  by  excessive 
labor,  needod  recreation  ;  and  on  the  ^nd  of  June  he  took 
leave  of  his  family  and  flock  to  attend  the  meeting  of  the 
General  Association  of  Virginia  at  Hampton.  After  a 
brief  sojourn  among  his  friends  in  the  Old  Dominion  he 
returned  to  his  home  by  way  of  Wake  Forest  college, 
where  he  stopped  to  attend  the  Commencement  exercises  and 
preach  the  sermon  before  the  graduating  class.  In  July 
he  attended  the  Commencement  exercises  of  the  Chowan 
Female  Collegiate  Institute.  Murfreesboro,  j^.  C.  While 
there  he  wrote  to  his   daughter  the  letter   which  we  give 

below  : 

(to  his  daughter.) 

MuRFREESBOKO,  JuLY  TtH,  1859. 

"  My  Dear  M.  : — You  can  scarcelv  conceive  how  much 


REV.   J.   L.   PEICHARD.  Hi 

you  were  contributing  to  the  happiness  of  your  father 
when  on  iNionday  last,  you  penned  those  lines  at  home.  I 
am  very  mucli  oblitred  to  you,  dear  child,  for  your  affec- 
tionate letter.  I  am  glad  you  have  vacation,  so  that  you 
can  rest  awhile.  '"'  ^^  ^  '''  Thinking  it  may  interest  you,  I 
Avill  say  a  few  words  in  reference  to  the  Institute  at  this 
place.  It  is  a  large  and  beautiful  building,  situated  from 
a  halt  to  three  fourths  of  a  mile  from  the  village.  The 
grounds  are  beautifully  laid  out,  aad  beautiful  elm  trees 
are  planted  in  such  a  manner  as  to  represent  the  planets. 
This  was  Mr.  Fory's  taste.  There  are  about  ten  acres  con- 
nected with  the  Institute,  so  that  the  yonng  ladies  can  walk 
miles,  within  their  own  grounds.  Besides,  the  college 
building  has  porticoes,  extending  the  entire  length,  which 
afford  a  good  place  f o  ■  exercise  in  damp  or  rainy  weather. 
The  chapel  is  a  beautiful  room,  containing  a  large  organ. 

I  was  present  at  the  Commencement.  The  music  was 
good  so  far  as  the  instrumental  part  was  concerned.  There 
are  eighty  pupils  connected  with  the  school.  There  were 
thirteen  graduates.  It  was  an  interesting  sight,  tu  see  thir- 
teen young  ladies,  dressed  in  white,  standing  up  to  receive 
their  diplomas.  The  essays  were  good.  Dr.  Hooper's  ad- 
dress to  the  graduating  class  was  excellent.  Dr.  Kean's 
address  was  also  veiy  good.  His  subject  was  'Develop- 
ment, Physical,  Mental  and  Moral.'  I  have  no  doubt  this 
is  a  line  institution.  I  should  be  glad  to  have  you  come 
here  or  to  someother  such  school  and  complete  your  studies. 
I  shall  try  to  give  you  as  good  an  education  as  my  means 
will  allow.  I  doubt  not,  my  dear  child,  you  will  endeavor 
to  improve  your  golden  opportunities.  One  thing  Dr. 
Hooper  said  last  night,  I  regretted  to  hear,  that  so  '  many 
of  the  young  ladies  had  not  made  choice  of  the  better  part 
which  Mary  chose.'  My  daughter,  '  with  all  thy  gettings, 
get  wisdom.'  I  feel  great  anxiety  about  this.  Do  try,  my 
dear,  and  give  your  whole  heart  to  the  Saviour.  Love  liiui 
no2V,  -'^  ^  ^  ->•"  "  * 

I  am,  dear  Mary,  your  affectionate  father." 


CHAPTEE    YII. 

jSTew  House  of  Woeship  in  Wilmington — Enterprise 
Difficult — Increased  Labors  and  Solicitude  of  Pas- 
tor— Extracts  From  Diary — Condition  of  the  Coun- 
try— LoYE  OF  the  Union — Extracts  From  Diary — 
War — Work  Among  the  Soldiers — Affecting  Inci- 
dent— Extracts  From  Diary — Letters — Yisit  to 
Richmond — Testimony  of  a  Soldier. 

When  Mr.  P.  took  charge  of  the  church  in  Wilmington 
it  was  with  the  understanding  that  they  would  build  a 
larger  and  better  house  of  worship,  on  a  more  eligible  site, 
as  the  one  in  which  they  were  then  worshipping  was  not 
at  all  adequate  to  the  wants  of  the  denomination  in  that 
growing  city.  His  attention  was  never  diverted  from  this 
object,  though,  from  various  causes,  no  formal  action  in  the 
matter  was  taken  by  the  church  for  more  than  a  year  after 
the  settlement  of  the  new  pastor  among  them.  Towards 
the]  close  of  1S5T  they  began  to  consider  the  matter  in 
earnest,  and  early  in  1858  a  lot  on  the  corner  of  Fifth  and 
Market  streets  was  purchased.  In  the  Fall  of  this  year 
Mr.  P.,  with  one  of  the  deacons  of  the  church,  visited 
Richmond,  Baltimore,  Washington  and  other  cities,  exam- 
ining models  and  consulting  architects,  with  the  view  of 
securing  the  best  plan  for  their  new  edifice.     In  February 


REY.    J.    L.    PRICHARD.  113 

1859  the  subscription  list  was  opened,  and  pledges  to  the 
amount  of  $10,000  were  secured  tlie  first  day.  lie  then 
engaged  diligently  in  the  work  of  collection  and  canvassed 
the  city  with  considerable  success.  All  that  could  be 
raised  at  home  was  secured  and  the  building  was  com- 
menced. Subsequently  he  visited  many  portions  of  the 
State,  soliciting  contributions  in  behalf  of  the  enterprise, 
and  though  he  often  encountered  indifference  or  o])position 
yet  each  trip  swelled  the  amount  of  funds.  Slowly  but 
surely  tlie  work  went  forward  till  the  breaking  out  of  the 
war  and  the  blockade  of  our  ports  rendered  it  impossible 
to  procure  the  necessary  materials. 

This  new"  undertaking  illustrates  the  character  of  the 
man.  It  was  of  sufficient  magnitude  to  discoura-je  one 
who  had  less  earnestness  and  faith.  The  reqi.isite  amount 
of  funds  could  not  be  raised  in  Wilmington,  and  the 
slow  and  tedious  proce-^s  of  soliciting  aid  from  abroad 
must  be  resorted  to.  This  part  of  the  labor  he  must  per- 
form. He  encountered  indifference  or  opposition  at  home 
Much  more  must  he  expect  it  in  communities  that  had  no 
local  interest  in  the  enterprise.  His  pastoral  labors  were 
heavy,  and  to  these  must  be  added  the  task  of  surpervising 
the  work  as  it  progressed,  and  of  travelling  over  the  State 
to  collect  money.  The  danger  of  failure  on  the  one  hand 
and  the  magnitude  of  the  work  on  the  oth  t,  miglit  well 
have  made  him  shrink  back  and  wait  for  a  more  conveni- 
ent season.  But  he  neither  gave  up  the  scheme  nor  even, 
hesitated  about  it.  The  house  was  needed.  It  was  to  be 
built  for  God  and  God  would  provide  the  means.  So  he 
reasoned  and  so  he  acted^  and  subsequent  events  have 
showm  that  he  was  right.  The  work  which  was  sus- 
pended by  the  war  has  been  vigorously  prosecuted  by  his 
successor,    Rev.  W.  M.  Young,  and  there  is    every  pros- 


114  MEMOIR   OF 

pect  of  its  completion  at  an  early  clay.  We  give  a  few 
extracts  from  Mr.  P's.  diary  to  show  the  views  and  feel- 
ings with  which  he  began  and  prosecuted  the  enterpiise  : 

"  Spent  the  whole  evening  in  conversation  with  the 
brethren  in  reference  to  building  a  church,  buying  a  lot, 
&c.,  &c.  O  God,  help  us  to  build  a  good  house  and  pay 
fcr  it  and  worship  thee  in  it.     Wilt  thou  not  ?" 

'•  Early  the  sisters  commenced  coming  to  form  a  society, 
according  to  appointment,  to  raise  funds  for  the  chui-ch. 
Nineteen  names  given  in.      A  pleasant  meeting." 

Again,  before  meeting  the  brethren  ior  consults tiou, 
he  wrote  : 

'^  Lord,  grant  us  thy  wisdom  for  Jesus'  sake." 

Again  he  wrote  : 

^'I  am  about  to  start  once  more  to  solicit  aid  to  build 
a  house  for  the  Lord.  0  Lord,  the  gold  and  the  silver 
and  the  hearts  of  men  are  thine.  Thou  canst  dispose 
them  aright.  Help  me  for  Jesus'  sake  to  succeed  this 
day." 

"  Hope  to  be  able  to  do  something  to-day  for  the  Lord's 
house.  0  God,  prepare  me  to  labor,  and  the  hearts  of 
the  people  to  give  liberally." 

Later  in  the  day  he  states  the  amount  received,  and 
adds  : 

"I  feel  very  thankful  for  these  suras  and  encouraged — 
confident  that  my  prayer  was  answered.'' 

^'  Wrote  a  piece  for  each  of  the  daily  papers  in  behalf 
of  the  new  church  enterprise.  Saw  several  of  the  mem- 
bers in  relation  to  subscriptions  and  secured  §700  before 
2,  P.  M." 

With  these  aims  and  in  this  spirit  he  labored  on,  and 
the  measure  of  success  which  crowned  his  efforts  was  all 
that  could  have  been  expected.  How  could  it  have  been 
otherwise  ? 

To  raise  the  money  as  it  was  needed,  and  give  his  per- 


EEV.    J.    L.    PEICHARD.  115 

sonal  attention  to  the  work  ou  the  new  building-  as  it  pro- 
crressed  made  larsre  demands  on  his  time,  but  lie  did  not 
on  this  acconnt  neglect  liis  pastoral  duties.  He  was  as 
careful  as  ever  in  the  preparation  of  Ids  sermons  and  as 
punctual  in  visiting  the  people  of  his  charge.  Nor  did 
he  or  his  church,  though  so  lieavily  taxed,  forget  the 
great  objects  of  cliristian  beneficenc  e.  Tlieir  contributions 
in  behalf  of  missions,  b  )t]i  at  home  and  abroad,  were  as 
frequent  and  liberal  as  ever. 

We  turn  now  to  his  diary  for  1S60.  The  entries  are 
more  copious  and  give  us  a  clearer  viev/  of  his  life  and 
character  during  the  eventful  months  that  followed  : 

••  Jan.  7th  — Enjoyed  family  j^ravers.  I  hnow  nr)t  liow 
any  Christian  family  can  disjjense  with  family  worship 
and  live  as  a  Christian  desires  to  live  inwardly  !  How 
does  he  keep  the  lire  always  burning  on  the  altar  of  his 
heart  ?     I  feel  I  need  it. 

14th. — I  am  very  much  pleased  Avitli  my  new  Alias  by 
Mitchell.  I  feel  more  than  ever  the  impoitance  of  a  knowl- 
edge of  Geography.  1  intend  to  give  more  attention  to  it 
than  I  have  done  and  encourage  my  children  to  do  so. 

31st. — Reading  the  Eclectic  Magazine  and  was  truly  ed- 
ified and  instructed.     O,  that  I  had  more  time  to  read. 

Feb.  8th.  —  I  do  not  think  it  easy  to  over  estimate  the 
importance  of  a  know^ledge  of  Geography  and  History  and 
deeply  regret  my  limited  knowledge  of  both.  I  will  try 
even  now,  at  the  age  of  forty-nine^  to  correct  this  deficiency. 
I  rejoice  that  my  children  are  enjoying  advantages  which 
I  did  not.  But  I  would  only  know  these  things  to  be  more 
useful. 

10th. — I  know  not  when  I  had  so  pleasant  a  time  wdth 
my  books,  as  I  have  had  to  day.  O  Lord,  I  thank  thee  for 
these  bunches  of  grapes  from  Eshcol. 

19th. — At  Sabbath  school.  Had  some  good  singing  and 
enjoyed  it  much.  Preached  from  Song  of  Solomon,  I:  G. 
'But  my  vineyard  I  have  not  kept!'  Tlie  congregation 
attentive.     I  felt  more   than  usual.     Hested   awhile    and 


116  ISfEMOIR   OP 

read  from  A.  Fuller's  and  John  Howe's  works  in  reference 
to  'future  punisliment,'  and  preached  at  night  from  Isaiah 
X  :  14.     Congregations  good  and  very  attentiv-e. 

20th. — Churcii  meeting  to  night.  A  good  number  out 
and  a  very  pleasant  time.  O,  I  do  pray  that  we  may  be 
kept  in  the  bonds  of  peace.  Lord,  help  us  to  keep  the 
unit}^  of  the  Spirit,  &e.  1  feel  the  deepest  anxiety  for  the 
church." 

After  a  day  of  visiting,  lie  writes  :  "  I  enjoyed  my  visits 
very  much.  O  that  good  may  result.  I  am  more  and 
more  convinced  of  the  great  good  that  may  be  accomplish- 
ed hy  pastoral  msiting.    Help  me,  O  Lord,  to  do  my  duty." 

"  22nd. — Enjoyed  the  work  of  the  day  very  much.  There 
is  nothing  like  having  the  heart  in  our  work,  giving  our- 
selves wholly  to  these  things.  I  do  trust  that  my  brethren 
and  sisters  may  be  half  as  much  ediiicd  in  hearvKj^  as  I 
was  in  preparing. 

MxVRCri  8tli. —  A  goodly  number  out  at  prayer-meeting. 
Commented  on  '  Why  should  a  living  man  complain?' 
Enjoyed  the  exercises  nnd  trust  others  did.  May  we  all 
cease  to  complain  and  lie  cheerful  and  be  resigned. 

16th. — Our  dti-ir  little  J.  v.-as  so  much  better  that  I 
brought  him  down  stairs  to-day.  He  was  delighted.  I 
think  that  A.  and  G.  are  taking  measles.  O  Lord,  be  pleas- 
ed to  .^pare  them,  for  us.     Make  ihem  thine  for  Jesus  sake. 

19th. — Boutrlit  fruit  cake,  etc.  for  Johnnie's  birthday. 
He  is  four  years  old.  Lord,  bless  the  dear  child  and  help 
us  train  him  for  Thee. 

21th. — My  throat  is  worse.  Could  not  sing  this  morn- 
ing! It  seems  strange  to  have  morning  prayers  without 
singin..!'.  I  regard  it  as  a  most  interesting  part  of  family 
worship.  In  my  study  continued  to  read  and  an-ange  for 
Sabbath.  Find  it  much  easier  to  prepare  a  sermon  by 
writing,  than  in  another  way.  I  can  think  more  readily, 
and  become  more  interested.  It  is  hard  to  break  off  from 
old  habits,  good  or  bad.  Hence  the  importance  of  forming 
right  habits  at  first. 

April  5th — A  day  of  barrenness.     I  could  not  get  my 


REV.  J.  L.  PPvICHxiRD.  11  7 

mind  interested  in  an3^thing.  I  wonder  if  any  good  minis- 
ter of  the  £:ospel  experiences  anything  like  this.  O,  that  I 
may  be  delivered  from  this  deadness.  '  My  sonl  cleaveth 
unto  the  dust,  quicken  thon  me  according  to  thy  word.' 
Saviour,  precious  Saviour,  come  to  my  rescue. 

May  4th, — Walked  to  the  church.  The  workmen  are 
laying  brick.  The  walls  are  rising.  Yet  I  hope  to  see 
them  rise. 

6th.— .Sweet  little  Georgie's  birthday  ;  two  years  old.  A 
calm  and  lovely  Sabbath  morning.  The  birds  amg  very 
sweetly.  The  children  aie  well  and  happy.  Kow  O  Lord, 
come  and  lill  our  hearts  with  licavenly  rm'ndedness  and 
peace  and  joy,  even  the  joy  of  the  x^-oly  Ghost.  Went  to 
Sabbath  school  ;  not  quite  a  hundred  out.  We  sang  two  or 
three  pieces.  A  large  congregation.  Preached  from  Col. 
II:  9,  10.  Communion,  a  very  pleasant  time.  Receiv- 
ed Sister  W.  who  was  baptized  24th  April. 

Yth, — Made  this  a  rest  day  in  part.  Spent  the  lime  in 
reading.  It  seems  very  strange  to  me.  to  be  resting.  Eter- 
nity for  rest." 

This  month  he  attended  the  Chov.'an  Association  in 
Edenton,  obtaining  more  funds  for  tlio  church. 

June  21st. — Saw  brother  11.  Had  conversation  with 
him  about  doing  good — mentioned  to  him  how — by  buying 
me  some  books,  now  selling  at  cost  at  Pierce's,  lie  agreed 
and  i  selected  the  books,  ^20  worth,  lis  volumes.  Brought 
them  home  and  opened  them.  Children  with  me  nuich  de- 
lighted. 

July  19th. — Called  in  to  see  a  poor  man  without  Christ 
and  no  heart  to  desire  Him  !  Talked  to  him  kindly,  i  hen 
went  to  see  brother  Harry,  (a  colored  bi'other.)  What  a 
contrast.  He  is  prepared,  come  vrliat  will.  He  is  a  calm  and 
peaceful  and  happy  man.  Went  to  church.  Saw  the  door 
sills,  which  had  just  arrived  in  the  steamer  '  Parkersburg.' 
'  I  delight  in  the  stones  thereof,'  Ps.  civ  :  14,  (of  the  house 
of  God.) 

21st. — They  have  raised  the  window  frames  on  tlie  west 
side  of  the  church.     I  was  so  glad  to  see  it. 

July  29th. — At  night  preached  from  Jer.  viii  :  20.     This 


118  MEMOIR  OF 

service  was  peculiarly  affecting  to  me  as  I  expected  to  be 
absent  for  several  weeks.  O,  1  felt  deeply.  Shall  we  all 
meet  again  ?     O,  what  shall  betide   us?     Hush,  my  soul  I 

Aug.  3rd. — Left  home  on  a  trip  to  secure  funds  for  build- 
ing our  church  edifice. 

On  the  2d  of  September,  after  returning  from  one  of 
his  trips  to  collect  funds,  he  writes :  "  Attended  the 
funeral  of  old  Sister  Y.  Preached  at  lOJ — '  The  love  of 
Christ  cons':raineth  us.'  Communion.  An  interesting 
time.  Preached  again  at  night.  This  has  been  a  day 
full  of  enjoyment  to  me.  One  month  since  1  preached 
on  Sunday  to  my  congregation  !  I  feel  this  absence  from 
home  was  a  great  sacrifice,  but  a  necessary  one.  I  have 
made  it  cheerfully." 

5th. — Spent  the  day  at  home  resting.  A  rarity  for  me. 
Well,  I  do  not  think  I  feel  as  well  as  if  I  had  been  at  work 
all  the  time. 

9th. — Spent  the  early  morning  in  my  study,  then  to  Sab- 
bath school.  Enjoyed  preaching.  At  4,  P.  M.,  baptized  M. 
B.     A  solemn  time.     Preached  again  at  night. 

14-th. — A  very  pleasant  day  in  my  study.  Found  it  good 
to  be  engaged  in  my  work.  At  such  a  time,  *  I  had  rather 
be  a  doDi'keeper  in  the  house  of  my  God,  than  to  enjoy  all 
that  the  world  can  do  for  mo.  It  is  sweet  to  have  a  few 
moment.'  foretaste  of  heaven  ?  '-  O  heaven,  sweet  heaven, 
when  s  snll  I  see,  O  when  shall  I  be  there!' 

15th.-  -Late  in  the  afternoon  I  walked  again  to  the  church. 
They  have  just  commenced  the  vestibule  vv-all.  The  outer 
walls  are  now  up  to  the  height  of  gallery,  and  soon  the  gal- 
lery will  be  raised.  O  Lord,  help  us  to  build  and  pay  for 
this  house  and  give  it  and  ourselves  to  thee  forever. 

iTth. — I  know  not  when  I  ever  enjoyed  reading  anything 
more  than  the  Life  of  Richard  Kniil  O  to  be  like  him, 
because  he  was  so  much  like  Christ.  Walked  to  the  church. 
Commenced  reading  Doddridge's  life.  Talked  with  the 
young  ladies  about  being  useful  and  happy. 

22nd. — At  2,  P.  M.,  took  all  the  dear  children  to  see  the 
Panorama  of  Pilgrim's  Progress.  They  have  just  returned 
delisrhted, 


EEV.   J.    L.   PRICHARD.  119 

28tli. — I  am  so  glad  brother has  determined  to  go 

to  the  Theological  Seminary.  O  that  I  could  have  enjoyed 
such  an  advantage  in  the  early  part  of  my  ministry.  J3ut 
as  I  could  not,  I  desire  to  encourage  all  young  men  who 
can,  to  go.     The  Lord  bless  our  young  brother. 

29th. — This  has  been  a  day  of  unusual  anxiety.  I  just  be- 
gin to  realize  that  M'.,  his  daughter,  "  is  going  oif  to  School ! 

0  Lord,  I  pray  thee,  bless  my  child.     Make  her  a  christian. 

1  do  give  her  to  thee,  thine  she  is.  0  make  her  a  dear 
child  of  Jesus.  I  desire  to  consecrate  myself  and  family 
anew  to  Thee.     Bless  us  and  make  us  a  blessing  !^' 

During  the  session  of  the  N.  C,  Baptist  State  Convention 
in  Goldsboro  he  made  the  following  entry  : 

"Xov.  3rd.— At  the  assembling  of  the  Convention  I  was 
allowed  to  explain  in  reference  to  our  enterprise  of  building 
a  church.  Received  about  $265  in  cash  and  subscriptions. 
Many  pleasing  events  occurred,  especially  the  effort  by 
which  the  debt  of  the  church  in  Goldsboro  was  nearly 
liquidated.  I  have  never  attended  a  more  harmonious  ses- 
sion than  this  has  been.  Grant,  Lord,  that  it  may  be  the 
beginning  of  better  times." 

About  this  time  the  clouds,  v/hich  afterwards  gathered 
into  such  a  terrific  storm  and  swept  in  desolating  fury  over 
the  South,  began  to  appear  above  the  political  horizon. 
No  man  more  clearly  understood  their  dreadful  portent  or 
strove  more  earnestly  to  avert  the  impending  evil  than  the 
subject  of  this  memoir.  He  was  ardently  attached  to  the 
Union  and,  while  he  could,  sought  to  preserve  the  govern- 
ment under  which  our  country  had  risen  to  such  greatness 
and  glory.  But  when  the  issue  came  and  he  must  take  the 
part  either  of  the  North  or  the  Soutli  in  the  struggle,  he 
could  not  hesitate.  When  Virginia  and  North  Carolina 
cast  their  fortunes  with  the  Confederate  States,  he  appro- 
ved their  action,  and  thenceforward  the  Southern  cause 
had  no  more  devoted  adherent  and  supporter  than  he. 
Committing  the  cause  of  his  country,  as  he  did  everything 


120  MEMOIE  OF 

else,  to  God,  lie  did  not  despond  even  in  the  darkest  hour 
of  the  fearful  and  bloody  struggle.  With  this  brief  ex- 
planation we  continue  our  extracts  from  his  diary  : 

"Nov.  7th.- — The  telegraph  says  that  Lincoln  is  elected 
President  !  The  deepest  feeling  is  manifested  by  all. 
Secession  is  talked  of.  0  God,  undertake  for  us,  we  be- 
seech Thee. 

8th. — At  prayer  meeting.  But  few  out.  '  Blessed  are 
the  peacemakers.'  SSpoke  of  the  political  excitement — 
urged  upon  all  to  be  careful  to  use  no  exciting  language — 
'-grievous  wnrch.^  I  am  not  afraid.  Jehovah  reigns  ! 
Our  trust  be  in  Him  alone. 

15th. — Went  to  the  new  church — it  has  grown  some. 
But  0,  I  feel  so  sad  at  the  thought  of  the  troublous  times. 
Lord  shall  the  work  cease  ?  0  let  it  not,  I  pray  Thee  ! 
■^  *  *  I  feel  profoundly  the  importance  of  this  crisis 
in  political  matters.  0  God,  forsake  us  not.  Give  us 
men  for  tlie  times. 

IGth  — The  morning  is  bright  and  lovely,  but  the  po- 
litical sky  is  dark  and  lowering  !  Men's  hearts  tremble 
for  fear  ;  deep  mutterings  are  heard  from  the  South,  it 
does  seem  that  a  dissolution  of  the  glorious  Union  is  in- 
evitable !         ^K         *         *         * 

18th. — Freaclied  from  Jeremiah  xviii  :  7,  11,  in  refer- 
ence to  our  national  affaiis.  I  urged  moderation  and  de- 
liberation, and  above  all  to  distrust  man,  all  mere  parties 
&c.,  and  to  trust  in  God,  to  pray  to  him,  have  faith  in 
him. 

20th.  *  *  ^^  Feel  sad — -no  desire  to  be  in  company. 
I  feel  it  is  a  lime  for  prayer,  meditation  and  deep  huinil- 
iaticm  before  God.  Lord,  humble  our  hearts  before  thee  as 
a  nation.  I  pray  that  thou  wilt  avert  the  threatened 
danger. 

26th. — Was  called  upon  to  attend  the  funeral  of  Mr. 
B. — II  sad  time,  but  few  there.  1  walked  to  the  the  cem- 
etery. I  went  to  the  grave  of  our  darling  little  James  ! 
Sw^eet  child,  how  calm  is  thy  rest.  Revolutions  may 
come,  but  not  to  thee.  Fo,  thou  art  beyond  them  all, 
salV;  in  the  bosom  of  Jesus.     Best,  my  child  !     We  will 


REV.   J.  L.  PRICHARD.  121 

all  try  and  meet  thee  ere  long  !  Lord,  save  us  all  as  a 
family  !  Let  none  be  lost.  Save  ns  from  our  sins  through. 
Jesus'  blood. 

Dec.  21st. —  Walked  round  by  the  church.  At  work 
on  west  side,  turning  arches  over  the  windows.  *  -5^  * 
Heard  cannon  firing  at  the  news  of  the  secession  of  South 
Carolina. 

The  next  entry  in  his  diary  refers  to  "  six  or  seven  na- 
tionalities." This  is  explained  by  the  fact,  not  only  that 
Wilmington  is  a  sea  port  city,  but  that  the  Baptist  house 
of  worship  was  near  the  river  and  occupied  an  elevated 
position.  It  was  no  uncommon  thing  to  have  quite  a 
number  of  seamen  as  his  hearers,  anl  he  always  felt  a 
special  interest  in  their  welfare. 

23d. — Preached  to  at  least  six  or  seven  nationalities, 
iNforwegians,  Scotch,  Swedes,  Prussians,  &c.  Text,  Ps. 
Ixxxv:  6.  '  Wilt  thou  not  revive  us  again?'  Without 
notes — enjoyed  it  very  much  and  believe  most  of  the 
hearers  did  also.  I  never  felt  more  in  praying  for  '  ou?' 
country,^  ^  7711/ country  J  Congregation  very  large  in  the 
morning,  and  at  night  good.  The  singing  was  truly  de- 
lightful. 

Dec.  25th. — A  dark,  dreary  day.  Remained  at  home, 
reading  the  news.  There  is  a  war  spirit  all  over  the 
world.  China  has  a  double  war,  Africa  is  at  war,  all 
Europe  is  stirred  to  its  deepest  foundations,  and  our  own 
America  is  in  a  most  perilous  condition.  Nothing  but 
Divine  interposition  can  save  us  from  war — internecine 
war  ! 

29th.  *  *  *  South  Carolina  has  declared  herself 
independent.  Will  the  General  Government  allow  it  ? 
If  not,  what  then  ?  War  ?  I  suppose  so.  Lord,  undertake 
for  us. 

30th. — Preached  at  night  from  ^Harvest  is  past,  &c.* 
It  was  truly  a  solemn  time.  I  think  all  felt  deeply  on 
taking  leave  of  the  last  Sabbath  in  the  year.  It  is  a  sol- 
emn thought — how  have  I  lived  ? 

31  St.     *     *     *     *     All  is   confusion  and  uncertainty, 
8 


122  MEMOIR   OP 

South  Carolina  is  precipitating  things,  and  thus  goes 
down  the  sun  on  Dec.  31st,  1860.  How  will  it  rise  and 
set  to-morrow  .^  Will  it  behold  our  country  stained  with 
blood  ?     God  forbid  it,  we  pray. 

Feb  1st,  1861. — I  enter  to-day  on  my  sixth  year  as  pas- 
tor in  this  place.  How  man}'  more  shall  I  be  here  ? 
Lord  help  me  to  be  faithful,  more  than  ever.  Went  to 
see  brother  iiarry,  (an  aged  colored  member)  he  sleeps 
sweetly  in  death. 

April  13th. — Fori  Biimier  homharded  all  night!  Every 
body  is  excited.  War  has  commenced  ;  when  will  it  end? 
Sumter  surrendered  unconditionally,  by  Major  Anderson, 
commander  !  Great  rejoicing  in  Wilmington,  flag  rais- 
ing, &o.  The  windows  on  towers  of  our  church  raised 
to-day.     So  glad. 

15th.— Lincoln's  proclamation  received,  saying  he  would 
order  out  75,000  men  to  take  the  torts,  &c.  Greatest  ex- 
citement on  the  streets/ 

21st. — A  most  lovely  morning,  but  O  my  soul,  what  a 
spectacle  does  our  country  present !  God  have  mercy  on 
us  !  I  preached  and  talked  to  a  good  congregation — a 
deeply  solemn  time.  Text  : — Deut.  xxxiii :  26,  29.  At 
night,  from  Jcb  ii :   10. 

22d. — Companies  from  West  and  South  concentrating 
*        *         *       *     Went  on  the  roof  of  our  new  church." 

During  the  year  1861  the  work  on  the  house  pro- 
gressed slowly  and  his  pastoral  duties  were  attended  to 
as  usual.  In  addition  to  this,  a  wider  field  of  usefulness 
was  opened  to  him  among  the  troops  that  were  concen- 
trated about  Wilmington  from  the  commencemont  of  the 
war,  and  he  was  not  slow  to  enter  and  occupy  it. 

Every  one  remembers  the  eagerness  with  which  the 
Southern  soldiers,  suddenly  gathered  into  the  camp  from 
the  pursuits  and  pleasures  of  home,  sought  for  reading- 
matter  with  which  to  relieve  the  tedium  of  their  daily 
life.  It  was  Mr.  P's.  custom  to  visit  them  daily,  taking 
with  him  such  magazines,  pamphlets,  &;c.,  as   he  could 


REV.  J.  L.  PRICHAED.  123 

Spare  from  his  own  library  or  could  collect  from  others. 
Thus,  by  becoming  acquainted  with  the  men  and  mani- 
festing his  interest  in  them,  he  induced  them  to  attend 
preaching  at  the  Baptist  church  ;  and  his  congregation 
which  had  been  thinned  by  the  war,  removal  of  families, 
and  other  causes,  was  greatly  increased.  His  regular 
services  at  such  times  often  had  a  special  adaptation  to 
the  condition  and  wants  of  the  soldiers.  He  frequently 
conducted  religious  exercises  in  the  various  camps  around 
the  city,  and  as  regiments  were  passing  through  on  their 
way  to  the  scene  of  strife  lie  met  them  at  the  depot  and 
distributed  tracts  and  Testaments  among  them,  and  by 
pleasant  words  and  many  little  kind  offices  assured  them 
of  his  regard  for  their  spiritual  welfare.  He  was  also 
careful  of  the  physical  comfort  of  the  soldiers.  They 
always  received  a  cordial  welcome  to  his  house  and  his 
table.  On  many  occasions  he  took  sick  soldiers  to  his 
home  that  they  might  enjoy  the  kind  attentions  of  his 
family.  One  of  the^e  recipients  of  his  generosity,  a 
young  man  from  Virginia,  had  no  sooner  left  the  hospital 
than  he  exclaimed — feeling  doubtless  that  he  was  with 
one  who  could  sympathize  with  him  and  instruct  him  in 
the  right  way — "  'Now  I  think  I  can  give  my  heart  to  the 
Saviour."  He  had  received  a  letter  from  his  mother,  a 
short  time  before,  informing  him  of  the  death  of  his  only 
brother  and  urging  him  to  seek  the  salvation  of  his  soul ; 
and  he  seenied  deeply  convicted  indeed.  Though  suffer- 
ing much  bodily  pain  he  seemed  to  think  only  of  his 
soul's  danger.  Mr.  P.  wrote  to  the  3^oung  man's  mother  : 
'*  Though  I  have  been  a  pastor  twenty  years,  I  have  never 
seen  any  one  more  penitent  and  humble." 

It  soon  became  evident  that  he   could  not  recover,  and 
during  his  last  hours  he  was  constantly  ministered  to  by 


124  MEMOIR   OF 

Mr.  p.  and  his  family  in  tlie  tenderest  and  most  faithful 
manner.  His  dying  whisper — realized  we  trust — was  : 
^'  0  Heavenly  Father,  save  me."  The  letter  to  which 
we  have  referred  says  : 

^^  At  one  o'clock  on  Sabbath  morning,  without  a  strug- 
gle or  a  groin,  he  breathed  his  last.  In  the  most  tender 
manner  possible,  we  shrowded  him.  Early  in  the  morn- 
ing" I  informed  his  company  ol  his  death  and  every  ar- 
rangement was  made  to  forward  his  remains  to  you.  I 
sincerely  sympathize  with  you  in  the  loss  of  your  dear 
boys.     May  God  bless  and  more  than  sustain  you." 

Thus,  while  ministering  to  the  bodily  wants  of  this 
youthful  soldier,  he  was  permitted  to  soothe  with  the  con- 
solations ot  the  Gospel  one  who  might  otherwise  have 
died  in  the  loneliness  of  the  hospital  with  none  to  point 
him  to  the  Eedeemer  of  sinners. 

We  now  resume  our  extracts  from  Mr.  P's.  diary.  The 
entries  again  become  brief  and  hurried,  makmg  a  simple 
record  of  the  events  and  labors  of  the  day  : 

"June  4th. — ^Lord,  bless  me  and  all  thy  people  to  day. 
Guide  our  rulers,  our  officers  and  soldiers.  Be  our  God. 
Let  not  our  enemies  have  dominion  over  us,  I  pray  thee. 
Enjoyed  the  day  much  in  my  study.  Drilled  several  hours 
this  afternoon — was  quite  tired  but  enjoyed  it.  Everything 
is  warlike. 

11th, — Walked  to  the  church.  Front  gable  nearly  done. 
Lord,  I  thank  Thee  for  this,  and  w^U  trust  Thee  for  the  rest. 

13th. — ^National  Fast  day.  Lord  be  wdth  the  Southern 
people  to  day.  Have  mercy  on  our  enemies.  Quite  a  good 
congregation.  Kead  portions  of  the  Scripture,  Joelii ;  Jo- 
nah iii  ;  Matt  vi.  Services  solemn.  All  attentive.  I 
urged  confession  of  sin,  supplication  for  the  mercy  of  God. 
Gave  many  reasons  why 

19th. —  ....  In  my  study.  O,  it  is  so  difficult  to  read 
the  w^ar  new^s  and  be  devotional.      Lord  help  me. 

July  7th. —  .  .  .  How  sad  to  think  of  our  country's  con- 


REV.   J.   L.   PRICHAED.  125 

clition.  God  be  merciful  to  us.  Delightful  singing.  Large 
congregation.     Many  soldiers.     Communion.     Delightful. 

8th. —  ....  Selected  all  my  pamphlets.  Magazines,  ad- 
dresses, &c.  in  order  to  give  to  the  soldiers.  .  .  . 

30th. — Went  to  the  new  church — upon  the  tower,  &c. 
The  doors  and  windows  arc  being  closed  and  the  lumber 
piled.  .  .  . 

Sep.  8th. — One  of  the  lovliest  of  mornings.  Surely  there 
will  be  no  battle  to-day  !  Gracious  God,  help  our  rulers  to 
think  ot  the  present  and  future.  ^  ^'  Opened  Sabbath 
school.  Preached  to  a  good  congregation — again  at  5,  P. 
M.     Enjoyed  the  services  more  than  usual. 

17th. — In  my  study,  reading  '  McCosh.'  I  have  enjoyed 
unusual  pleasure  to  day.  0  that  I  may  have  a  right  ap- 
preciation of  my  privileges  and  responsibilities. 

Oct.  2nd. —  .  .  .  Took  a  basket  of  tracts  and  pamphlets, 
&c.,  went  to  one  of  the  camps.  The  men  w^ere  eager  for 
the  tracts,  &c.  Spent  several  hours  very  pleasantly  with 
the  officers  and  men. 

6th. —  .  .  E.  and  I  went  to  the  hospital,  many  sick,  but 
they  seemed  cheerful.  Went  to  Sabbath  school. "  Preached 
from  Isa.  iv  :  8-11.     Many  soldiers  present.  .  .  . 

Having  returned  from  the  Eastern  Association  sick,  he 
writes  : 

"  12th. — This  was  a  sick  day,  but  I  felt  so  thankful  that 
I  was  at  home  on  a  good  soft  bed,  receiving  the  attentions 
of  my  wife,  sister  and  dear  children.  But  I  felt  especially 
thankful  that  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  in  it,  controlling 
everything  for  my  good. 

13th. — Beautiful  Sabbath  morning.  The  bells  rang  so 
sweetly,  but  I  was  unable  to  go  out.  My  wife  sat  by  me 
and  read  much,  which  I  enjoyed.  Many  of  the  brethren  and 
sisters  called  in  to  see  me.  This  was  gratifying.  ...  A 
long  time  since  I  spent  a  Sabbath  without  attending 
preaching." 

The  following  letters  to  his  daughter  may  appropriately 
find  a  place  here,  though  some  of  them  run  into  the  follow- 
ing year  : 


126  memoie  of 

Wilmington,  Oct.  16th,  1860. 
•'  My  Dear  M.  : — We  were  truly  glad  this  morning  to 
receive  your  letter  which  was  very  interesting  and  gratify- 
ing to  us.  Your  ^vi'iting  shoAvs  that  by  care  you  AAall  soon 
excel.  I  beg  of  you,  my  dear,  always  to  take  great  pains 
in  your  writing  as  well  as  your  other  studies.  Be  sure  to 
act  in  such  a  way  as  to  secure  the  esteem  of  your  teach- 
ers and  schoolmates.  '^  ^^  '-^  ^  And  now,  my 
dear  child,  let  me  affectionately  urge  upon  you  the  impor- 
tance of  giving  your  heart  to  the  Saviour.  We  miss  you 
very  much,  at  prayers,  at  the  table  and  on  all  occasions. 
Dr.  Doddridge  said  to  liis  daughter :  '  The  most  costly 
thing  connected  with  your  education  is  the  separation  from 
you.'  So,  my  dear  child,  we  feel  towards  you.  Your 
name  is  often  mentioned  by  us  all.  Little  Georgie  says  : 
"  Kiss  me  for  Mamie."  All  join  me  in  much  love.  From 
your  affectionate  father." 

Another  extract : 

"  I  am  truly  glad  to  hear  that  there  is  some  seriousness 
in  school  and  that  one  has  made  a  profession  of  religion. 
My  dear  child,  I  am  much  gratified  at  your  progress  in 
your  studies,  but  I  feel  much  more  anxiety  about  your  sal- 
vation than  I  do  about  everything  else  that  concerns  you. 
Do,  my  child,  try  and  give  your  heart  to  Christ.  Let  me 
beg  you  to  make  it  a  subject  of  prayer,  that  God  will  ena- 
ble you  to  do  this  now.  1  should  be  glad  to  know  how  you 
feel  on  the  subject  of  religion.  Can  you  not  write  me  ? 
Be  sure  and  read  your  Bible  carefully.  Don't  allow  your- 
self to  become  alarmed  about  the  exciting  subject  now  agi- 
tating our  country.  '  The  Lord  reigneth,'  you  must  look 
to  him  for  protection."  -Jf  *  ^         -jf  -:f  -x- 

WiLMiNGTON,  Nov.  29th,  1860. 
"  My  Dear  M.  : — ^We  Avere  truly  glad  to  get  your  letter 
on  Tuesday,  to  see  you  are  so  prompt  in  writing  and  also 
to  find  such  manifest  improvement  in  your  composition  and 
penmanship.         *         *  *         I  am  much  pleased  that 

you  are  so  well  satisfied  and  seem  to  haA^e  so  high  an  ap- 
preciation of  your  ad\"antages.  Your  privileges  are  A^ery 
great,  and  you  must  not  forget  that  your  responsibilities 


REV.    J.   L.   PRICHARD,  127 

will  be  correspondingly  great.  Try  and  make  the  most  of 
your  advantages.  If  God  shall  spare  yonr  life,  yon  will 
live  in  eventful  times — times  that  will  require  no  ordinary 
men  and  women  to  perform  their  duties.  Try,  dear  Mary, 
to  be  prepared  to  act  Avell  your  part,  so  that  the  Judge  of 
all  will  say,  '  Well  done  good  and  faithful  servant,  &c.' 
Cultivate  your  head  and  your  heart.  Ask  God  to  give 
you  a  heart  to  love  and  obey  him.  ^  ^'  *  '"'  We  have 
some  very  nice  oranges  and  bananas.  I  wish  I  could  send 
you  some.  To-day  was  thanksgiving  day,  but  we  observed 
it  as  a  day  of  humiliation  and  prayer  to  God  for  our  coun 
try.  Quite  a  goodly  number  Avere  out  at  church.  There 
is  little  news.  We  are  all  well.  Often  do  we  think  and 
speak  of  you  and  pray  for  you.  Ail  send  much  love.  I 
am  your  affectionate  father." 

Wilmington,  Dec.  22nd,  1860. 

"  My  DearM.: — It  would  afford  us  unfeigned  pleasure  to 
have  you  with  us  on  Christmas  day,  to  enjoy  your  company 
and  that  you  might  also  enjoy  ours,  but  I  highly  approve 
of  the  arrangement  in  not  giving  vacation  in  Winter. 
Since  we  cannot  have  you  with  us,  to  partake  of  your  usual 
pleasures  with  your  little  brothers  and  sisters,  we  propose 
to  send  you  a  little  box,  as  a  small  token  of  our  remem- 
brance of  '  Sis  Mary.'  Accept  of  this,  my  dear  child,  from 
us,  for  all  are  anxious  to  assist  in  fixing  up  the  box.  It 
is  a  small  thing,  to  be  sure,  but  you  will  value  it 
not  so  much  for  its  own  sake  as  for  the  sake  of  those  who 
do  not  forget  you  in  your  absence.        -        -k-       -a-       ^:-       -jf 

The  secession  movements  are  all  the  talk  now.  South 
Carolina  is  out  of  the  Union.  The  Lord  only  knows  what 
is  to  be  the  end  of  all  this.  ^  ^  ^^  ^  ^  ^ 
Let  us  look  to  God  to  preserve  our  Union,  but  above  all, 
our  souls.  Do  try,  my  dear  Mary,  to  give  your  heart  to 
Christ.     All  send  much  love.     Your  affectionate  father." 

Wilmington,  Jan.  24th  1861. 

"  My  Dear  M. — I  have  been  so  much  engaged   of  late, 

that  I  have  not  written  you  for  some  time.     You  will  not 

construe  this  into  indifference.     I  can  assure  you,  my  dear 

child,  that  you  are  never  forgotton  a  day,  or  half  a  day,  by 


128  MEMOIR  OF 

US  here.  For  besides  the  frequent  mention  of  your  name 
in  our  conversation,  at  the  family  altar,  twice  every  day,  the 
blessing  of  God  is  invoked  upon  our  dear  absent  child. 
Do  you  pray  for  yourself,  my  dear  ?  I  trust  you  do.  I  am 
glad  to  hear  you  speak  of  your  prayer-meetings.  Do  at- 
tend them,  Mary  :  it  is  a  precious  privilege,  whether  it  is  ap- 
preciated or  not — for  the  good  are  there,  but  better  still, 
Christ  is  there !  And  who  would  not  love  to  go  where 
Jesus  is  ?  It  is  good  to  be  there.  Your  letter  was  receiv- 
ed Wednesday  morning.  We  were  very  glad  to  get  it. 
I  once  loved  to  roam  over  the  same  high  hills  and  deep 
shaded  valleys  along  the  banks  of  the  little  winding  Meher- 
rin.  Often  have  I  bowed  in  prayer  in  those  secluded  vales. 
I  frequently  walked  in  the  rear  of  Sister  Thompson's  house 
and  thence  to  the  river.  But  I  was  always  alone  !  and  yet 
not  alone,  for  God,  I  trust,  w-as  often  with  me,  even  there. 
*  ^  *  "^^  "^  We  have  nothing  in  the  way 
of  news.  We  have  become  so  accustomed  to  the  most 
startling  things  now-a-days,  as  to  count  them  w^orthy  of 
but  little  notice.  Such  is  our  nature.  Things  that  would 
not  have  been  tolerated  twenty  years  ago,  are  now  of  every 
day  occurrence  and  no  one  is  greatly  moved  by  them.     * 

■Jf  -Jf  -^:-  vr  •«•  ^  *  -Jf       *'      *  * 

I  want  you  to  exercise  your  mind  in  composition  as  much 
as  your  other  duties  will  allow.  Take  any  subject  and  try 
to  express  your  ideas  upon  it,  on  paper.  This  is  the  way 
persons  have  been  enabled  to  write  for  the  amusement  and 
instruction  of  others.  Do  try  and  become  a  good  reader. 
In  a  word,  my  dear  child,  let  your  profiting  be  manifest  to 
all,  make  the  best  use  of  your  time  and  dhtinguished  priv- 
ile|jes.  And  do  not,  I  beseech  you,  neglect  to  secure  the 
'pearl  of  great  price' — that  inner  adornment  which  adds  a 
lustre  and  grace  to  all  the  rest.  See  Proverbs  iii :  1-26  : 
iv  :  5-9.  Take  these  words  as  coming  from  a  merciful 
God  to  you.  Believe  them,  trust  in  them.  ^  ^  ^  I 
want  you  to  be  sure  and  take  much  out-door  exercise,  ex- 
ert yourself  so  as  to  secure  physical  development.  Exer- 
cise mind,  heart  and  body.  This  is  the  only  true  develop- 
ment." 


REV.   J.   L.   PRICHAED.  129 

Wilmington,  March  2Sth,  1S61. 

"  My  Dear  Child: — Yonr  very  welcome  letter  was  re- 
ceived on  the  regular  day.  We  were  glad  to  hear  of  your 
continued  good  health  and  that  you  were  in  the  enjoyment 
of  f?o  many  and  such  distinguished  privileges.  The  com- 
position interested  us  very  much.  It  was  very  natural, 
well  conceived  and  happily  exj^ressed.  I  hope  you  will 
cultivate  a  talent  tor  writing — it  will  greatly  improve  your 
taste.  Write  about  real  things — things  that  are  lovely,  ele- 
vating and  retining.  Describing  tilings  or  persons  is  like 
painting  them — they  make  a  deepiniprc  st-ion  en  the  mind 
A  person's  charactei  becomes  like  the  objects  of  his  contem- 
plation How  different  are  tlie  writings  of  Cowper  and 
Byron.  Both  wrote  as  they  thought  and  felt.  An  educa. 
tion  will  be  of  but  little  advantage  to  one  who  has  neither 
a  gift  nor  talent  for  conversation  or  writing.  And  it  will  be 
of  less  advantage  to  the  world.  Then  always  endeavor  to 
read  well,  write  well  and  converse  well,  and  while  your 
knowledge  will  aftbrd  you  unspeakable  pleasure,  it  will 
enable  you  to  be  both  agreeable  and  profitable  to  others. 

And  this  is  your  sixteenth  birthday !  Can  you  realize 
it?  It  seems  but  a  short  time  to  me  since  I  first  pressed 
you  to  my  bosom  as  my  first-born.  God  has  been  very 
good  to  you,  my  dear  child.  '  The  lines  have  fallen  to  you 
in  pleasant  places  and  yours  has  been  a  goodly  heritage ' 
compared  with  many  others.  It  would  have  been  very 
pleasant  to  have  you  at  home  to-day,  but  it  will  not  be 
long  bofore  the  end  of  the  session  and  then  we  hope  to 
have  you  with  us  again.  So  you  must  try  and  be  cheerful 
and  the  time  will  soon  pass  away.  We  are  having  pleas- 
ant weather.  The  work  on  the  new  church  wiir  now  go 
on.  We  have  all  been  veiy  well.  Your  little  brothers 
and  sisters  grow  finely  and  are  yavy  interesting  to 
us.  You  would  be  greatly  delighted  with  little  J.,  she 
is  so  sprighly,  and  laui^rhs  and  crows,  greatly  to  the  delight 
of  us  all.     The  other  children  love  her  very  much. 

The  Lord  bless  yon,  my  dear  M.  I  am  your  aftectionate 
father." 


130  MEMOIR  OF 

Wilmington,  April  25th,  1861. 

''  My  Dear  Guild  : — I  snatch  a  moment  to  drop  you  a 
line.  I  do  not  think  it  proper  to  say  much  about  tlie  all- 
absorbing  topic  now,  as  the  papers  will  tell  you  all  I  could. 
The  appearance  of  oar  town  is  greatly  changed  within  two 
weeks.  Then  all  was  active,  but  now  all  is  dull  as  to  trade. 
Soldiers  are  arriving  and  departing,  passing  from  the  South 
to  the  Xorth  every  day.  I  hope  it  will  not  be  necessary 
to  dismiss  the  school.  But  if  your  teachers  shall  judge  it 
best,  why,  I  will  make  any  arrangement  that  is  necessary 
for  your  return  home.  Look  up  to  them  as  your  advisers 
and  they  will  tell  you  what  is  best.  God,  I  am  sure,  is 
going  to  tea'di  us,  as  a  nation,  a  lesson  which  his  goodness 
lias  failed  to  teach  us.  And  now,  my  dear  Mary,  let  me, 
with  all  the  affection  of  a  father,  urge  upon  j^ou  the  im- 
portance of  giving  yourself  to  Christ.  Let  us  look  to  him, 
not  only  for  our  salvation  from  sin,  but  also  fur  protection  for 
our  persons  and  our  friends,  and  our  dearest  interests  for  time 
and  eternity.  Let  us  not  trust  in  an  arm  of  flesh,  not  in  ar- 
mies, or  navies,  nor  in  the  prowess  of  man,  but  in  God  alone. 
Oar  cause  is  a  just  one,  let  us  commit  it  to  God,  as  did  our 
fathers.  He  defended  them  and  he  will  defend  us.  Try 
and  be  composed.  It  is  hard  for  us  to  get  used  to  the  war, 
but  we  must  learn  the  lesson.  May  God  preserve  you  all.  1 
shall  not  cease  to  pray  for  you.  Into  GoJ's  care  I  commit 
you.     Yoar  affectionate  father." 

Wilmington,  May  2nd,  1861. 

"  My  Dear  Guild: — I  was  truly  glad  to  receive  your 
letter,  to  learn  that  you  felt  willing  to  remain  to  the  end  of 
the  session,  but  above  and  beyond  all,  did  I  feel  glad  to 
hear  that  some  of  the  girls  had  found  the  Saviour  precious, 
and  that  your  heart  loas  interested^  and  desired  that  we 
would  pray  that  you  might  be  a  Ghristian. 

Dear  Mary,  you  are  the  child  of  many  prayers.  Your 
pious  mother's,  offered  while  she  lived  and  when  she  died, 
stand  recorded  before  the  throne  of  grace  pleading  for  you. 
And  the  prayers  of  your  father  continually  ascend  to  God 
for  you.  But  above  all,  the  precious  Saviour  stands  con- 
tinually pleading  for  you.     But  you  must   also  pray  ;  and 


REV.   J.    L.    PRICHARD.  131 

with  coniideDce  you  may  go  to  Christ  as  a  sinner. 
He  died  for  sinners.  He  came  to  save  the  lost.  Re- 
member,  He  is  able  to  save  to  to  the  uttermost,  all 
that  come  t@  God  by  Him.  Repent  sincerely  ;  believe 
in  Him,  for  He  is  exalted  to  be  a  Prince  and  a 
Saviour,  to  ^ive  repentance  and  forgivenness  of  sins. 
His  blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin.  Go  to  him  then  with 
confidence.  Go,  nothing  doubting  ;  say  '  I  must,  I  can,  I 
do  believe.'  God  hlessyou,  my  sweet  child,  and  make  you 
His,  to  suffer  for  Him,  or  do  anything.  Put  all  your  trust 
in  Him.     Your  loving  father." 

Wilmington,  May  iTth,  1861. 

"  My  Dear  M  : — You  will  perceive  that  I  am  again  at 
home,  but  I  have  only  time  to  drop  you  a  line,  as  I  shall 
be  very  busy  preparing  for  Sunday.  I  left  home  on.  the 
8th  for  Savannah,  Ga.,  where  the  Convention  met  on  Friday. 
You  will  see  the  proceedings  in  the  Recorder  and  I  will 
not  give  an  account  of  them.  The  country  from  Wilming- 
ton to  Savannah  is  level  and  abounds  in  pines  and  swamps. 
Savannah  is  a  beautiful  city,  having  many  public  squares 
or  miniature  parks.  There  are  some  beautiful  monuments, 
one  to  Pulaski,  who  fell  defending  the  city,  Oct.  9th,  1779. 
Many  of  the  streets  are  very  wide,  having  four  rows  of  trees 
in  the  middle.  There  is  a  magnificent  Park  and  one  <»f  the 
mosc  beautiful  Fountains  I  ever  saw.  It  is  in  the  midst  of 
a  ciicle,  and  has  many  devices,  beautifully  executed  ,  from 
which  jets  of  water  are  thrown.  Hundreds  of  men,  women 
and  children  walk  there  in  the  evening.  The  w^alks  are 
covered  with  shells. 

When  in  Charleston,  we  obtained  permission  to  visit 
Forts  Sumter  and  Moultrie,  and  the  various  places  render- 
ed famous  in  the  recent  bombardment.  Caimon  bails  and 
bomb  shells  are  tenible  things.  Nothing  can  resist  them 
long.  I  never  could  have  conceived  the  terrible  destruc- 
tion, had  I  not  seen  it.  I  brought  home  some  fragments 
from  Fort  Sumpter,  as  mementoes.  -     '-     *     *  "*     *" 

extracts  from  his    diary. 

Jan.  18th. — This  is  one  of  the  darkest  mornings  we  have 
had,  really  wintry  weather  for  this  climate.     O  God,  bless 


132  MEMOIR   OP 

our  brave  soldiers  ia  every  camp.  Came  into  my  study. 
My  little  children  with  me,  playiiig. 

Eeb.  Yth. — Spent  some  time  reading  '  Macaulay  on  His- 
tory,' and  the  'Eevolution  of  1688,  by  Sir  James  Mackin- 
tosh.' Was  greatlj^  interested  in  the  latter  piece,  though  1 
had  read  it  before.  O,  that  the  Revolution  of  1861-62 
may  be  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  progress  of  man- 
kind. 

22nd. — I  suppose  President  Davis  is  being  inaugurated ! 

0  God,  if  it  please  Thee,  own  and  ratify  our  govenunent. 
Give  us  a  name  and  a  place  among  the  nations  of  the 
earth. 

25th.  '-'■  '"  *  It  is  about  given  up  that  Xashville  has 
fallen  !  I  don't  give  it  up  yet — I  will  hope  against  hope. 
Lord,  I  look  to  thee^  alone.  Spent  the  day  in  my  study, 
reading  Macaulay's  History  of  England.  Had  a  quiet, 
pleasant  time,     Sanctiiy  to  us  the  blessings  of  the  day. 

Makch  2nd. — Sabbath.  ^  ""  '''  I  have  spent  a  most 
pi  eat- ant  day.  I  thank  Thee,  O  Lord,  that  in  the  midst  of 
war  with  man  we  have  peace  with  Thee. 

15th. — Heard  the  sad  tidings  to-day,  that  ISTewbern  had 
fallen  !  A  stirring  day.  Captain  G's.  artillery  company, 
from  Mississippi,  and  Captain  B's.  passed  through  town, 
also  Cols.  P.  and  J's  regiments.  ^  "^  '''  * 

Apkil  18th. — Had  a  most  delightful  time  in  my  study 
It  was  sweet,  yea  passing  sweet,  to  read  and  think  and 
write,  and   thus  the   time  glided  awaj  till   about  4,  P.  M. 

1  went  to  the  Hospital  and  spent  the  entire  afternoon  in 
conversation  and  prayer  with  many  from  Korth  Carolina, 
Virginia,  Georgia,  Mississippi,  &c..  Some  deeply  interest- 
ing cases. 

May  12th Letters  from  Pichmond.  Great  solic- 
itude felt.  Lord,  deliver  our  Capitol  from  our  invaders. 
Went  to  the  new  hospital,  conversed  with  all  the  sick. 
Pound  several  Baptists,  Methodists,  ttc.  Enjoyed  talking 
with  them.  After  restujg  went  to  the  other  hospital  and 
visited  all  the  wards  but  one  ai.d  talked  with  the  sick. 

18th.— All  nature  smiles,  but  O,  how  dark  is  the  cloud 
over  sinful  man.  It  is  just — we  have  sinned  and  God  has 
frowned.     I  preached  from  'I  will  bear  the  indignation  of 


REV.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  133 

the  Lord,  for  I  have  sinned  against  Him."  House  crov>^ded. 
Lord,  bless  all.  Preached  again  at  -i,  P.  M.,  congregation 
good  and  very  attentive. 

24:th Went  to  hospital-— spent  a  very  pleasant 

time.  Find  it  a  delightful  work.  The  sick  seem  so  thank- 
ful for  Christian  sympathy. 

29th.  ...  At  prayer-meeting — no  brethren  there — quite 
a  goodly  number  of  sisters  out.  Thank  the  Lord,  they  will 
not  forsake  their  pastor  and  their  Master's  cause  in  the 
time  of  trial." 

While  he  was  absent  from  home,  attending  the  regular 
session  of  the  Ministers  and  Deacons'  Meeting  of  the  East- 
ern Association,  held  at  Bear  Marsh,  Duplin  county,  news 
came  that  the  seven  days'  battles  around  Richmond  had 
commenced.  A  scene  not  easily  forgotten  followed  the 
announcement.  Every  one  present  was  interested,  directly 
as  well  as  indirectly,  in  the  issue  of  the  conflict.  Among 
the  gallant  young  spirits  engaged  in  tlie  bloody  strife  was 
some  representative  from  every  family,  and  the  anxiety 
which  pervaded  the  assembly  was  painful  to  witness.  Xor 
was  it  without  cause,  as  the  list  of  casualties  afterwards 
proved.  Mr.  P.  announced  his  intention  to  go  to  Pich- 
mond  to  aid  in  caring  for  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  the 
next  day  found  him  on  his  way  to  the  Southern  Capitol • 
A  week  was  spent  in  the  crowded  hospitals,  in  minister- 
ing to  the  sufferers.     He  writes  : 

"I  make  it  a  point  to  talk  to  each  individual  about  his 
soul  and  ascertain  whether  he  has  a  hope  in  Christ.  It  is 
interesting  to  find  so  large  a  percentage  of  pious  persons 
and  especially  of  Baptists.  I  regard  this  as  one  of  the 
most  interesting  fields  for  the  minister  and  colporter.  I 
love  the  work." 

And  again : 

"  North  Carolina  has  suffered  severely  in  the  recent  bat- 
tles. Not  less  than  3,000  has  she  lost  in  killed,  wounded 
and  missing.  Her  devotion  to  the  cause  can  never  be 
questioned," 


134  MEMOIR  OP 

About  three  weeks  afterwards  he  again  visited  Richmond 
in  charge  of  a  car  containing  fruits,  vegetables  and  other 
articles  needed  for  the  sick  and  wounded,  sent  from  Wil- 
mington and  other  points  on  the  road.  The  distribution 
of  these  articles  involved  much  labor  but  he  cheerfully  per- 
formed it,  feeling  that  he  could  not  do  too  much  for  his 
country's  defenaers.     Of  this  trip  he  writes  : 

"  At  almost  every  station  additions  weie  made  to  the 
load.  I  wish  you  could  have  seen  the  Cjuantity  at  Warsaw, 
Faison'fj,  Mount  Olive  and  other  places.  Another  car  could 
have  been  almost  tilled.  All  things  went  on  smoothly  till  we 
reached  Weldon,  where  the  conductor  on  the  Petersburg 
road  refused  to  take  njy  car.  1  entreated  but  it  was  useless, 
and  there  was  no  alternative  but  to  submit.  My  car  was 
rolled  out  from  under  the  shed  and  as  it  was  now  3  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  I  got  into  the  car  and  spreading  my  overcoat  on  the 
boxes  tried  to  sleep,  but  in  vain.  There  were  three  coops 
of  cliickens  on  board,  and  as  it  was  early  dawn,  such  a  flap- 
ping of  wings  and  crowing  of  roosters  you  have  never 
heard.  It  was  rather  a  singular  bed-chamber,  but  far  bet- 
ter than  many  a  poor  soldier  has.  They  have  only  the 
cold,  damp  ground.  They  have  only  hard  bread  and 
fat  bacon — and  sometimes  not  even  that — to  eat,  while  I 
was  in  the  midst  of  all  sorts  of  good  things.  Fruits 
of  the  most  delicious  flavor  were  aroun<i  me  in  great  profu- 
sion.    One  comfort  1  had  :  it  was  all  for  the  soldiers. 

Soon  the  Petersburg  train  came  in  and  the  conductor 
said  he  would  take  my  car.  At  Petersburg  I  delivered  the 
packages  for  that  place,  and  reaching  Richmond  about  9, 
P.  M.,  had  to  see  the  car  unloaded.  It  was  about  10  o'clock 
when  we  got  through  and  I  was  so  tired.  The  next  day  I 
was  very  busy  delivering  the  packages.  The  Government 
sent  wagons  and  hauled  them  to  the  hospitals.  I  expect  to 
spend  to-morrow  in  looking  after  those  persons  whom  I 
was  requested  to  find." 

His  labors  in  behalf  of  the  soldiers,  continued  to  the 
close  of  his  life,  were  highly  appreciated  by  them;  and 
while  some  have  on  earth  hare  acknowledged  him  as  their 


REV.  J.  L.  PRICHARD.  l35 

Spiritual  father,  doubtless  lie  has  already  met  in  the  world 
of  bjiss  many  of  those  to  whom  he  ministered  on  earth.  It 
is  a  touching  circumstance  that  among  the  few  present  at 
his  burial  were  several  soldiers  who  thus  testified  their  re- 
gai'd  for  one  who  like  them  offered  himself  a  sacrifice  for 
the  good  of  humanity.  In  this  connection  we  gi^e  a  touch- 
ing testimonial  furnished  by  asoldier  after  j\[r.  P's.  decease. 

"  1  never  knew  him  well,''  says  the  writer,  ''  until  the 
summer  before  God  took  him  from  ns.  He  had  come  to 
Kichmond  on  a  mission  of  mercy  to  the  sick  and  wounded 
soldiers  of  ISTorth  Carolina.  It  was  a  work  of  love  and 
pleasure  with  him.  Being  at  home  wounded,  at  the  time, 
I  was  constantly  thrown  into  his  company,  and  never  Itave 
I  seen  any  man  more  earnest  or  conscientious  in  the  dis- 
charge of  his  duty.  From  early  morning  till  night  he  was 
engaged  passing  from  one  bedside  to  another  in  the  various 
hospitals.  Once  I  ui-ged  him  to  rest.  Said  he,  in  reply, 
^  While  I  rest  this  evening,  soMie  man  may  die  whom  I 
might  tell  of  Jesus.     No,  I  must  work.- 

"  What  most  won  my  admiration  and  love  was  his  child- 
like ways  and  simplicity  of  heart.  His  thoughts  and  ac- 
tions were  alike  pure  and  unselfish.  Utter  self-abnegation 
was  to  l*e  read  in  everything  he  did.  How  hard  it  seems 
that  such  a  noble  spirit  could  not  be  permitted  to  v\^arni 
and  brighten  this  cold,  unfeeling  atmosphere  of  society 
below. 

"  His  veneration  and  love  for  the  soldiers — the  private 
soldiers — were  very  great.  I  remember  that,  in  a  crowded 
car  between  Petersburg  and  Weldon,  he  voluntarily  gave 
his  seat  to  a  soldier,  apparently  stronger  and  in  better 
health  than  he,  and  stood  the  whole  way,  saying  '  the  poor 
fellows  need  rest  more  than  I  do.' 

"In  1862  I  stood  with  him  on  the  shell  covered  beach  at 


136  MEMOIR   OP 

Fort  Caswell,  N.  C.  The  surf  was  rolling  heavily  in,  and 
wave  after  wave  broke  at  our  feet.  He  stood  in  deep 
thought,  looking  out  on  the  vast  expanse,  for  some  min- 
utes, and  presently  exclaimed  :  ^  Life  is  like  tho'ie  restless 
billows.  O  for  peace,  for  rest  in  Jesus !'  His  prayer  for 
peace  has  been  answered.     Now  in  the   presence  of  Jesus, 

*  Not  a  wave  of  trouble  rolls, 

Acro«s  his  peaceful  breast.'" 


CHAPTER  Till. 

BLOCKADE-BuNNINa     YeSSELS — iNTBODUCTtON       OF     YeLLOW 

Feyf.r — Great  Con8tebnation — Removal  of  Families — 
Death  of  Rev.  Robert  Dkane,  D.  D. — Dr.  Dickson  and 
Other  Prominent   Citizens — Medical    Aid    and    Sup- 
plies FURNISHED — Remarkable  Beauty  of  the  Weath- 
er— Mr.  Prichard's  Self-Denying  Toils— His  Congrh- 
gatio>t  Scattered — Sense  of  Loneliness — Letters. 
The  blockade  of  the  Southern  ports,  at  the  beginning   of 
the  late  war,  threw  the  people  of  thos^  States  on  their  own 
resonrces,  and  some  time  elapsed  before  their  energies  were 
directed  to  a  revival  of  commerce.     Indeed  it  was  not  until 
their  necessities  became  so  urgent  as  to  drive  them  abroad  for 
such  of  the  materiel  of  war  as  they  could  not  produce,  and 
without  which  their  struggle  for  independence  must  cease, 
that  their  efforts  were  turned   m   this   direction.     Private 
speculation,  with  the  certainty  of  enormous  gsftns,    aided 
this  movement.     The  summer  of  1862  saw  the  Confederate 
Government  preparing  to  go  largely  into  the   business   of 
blockade-running.     Such  capitalists  as  John  Fraser  &  Co., 
of  Charleston,  with  their  world-wide   credit,   had   already 
broken   ground   and  were   bringing   rich   cargoes — muni- 
tions of  war  and  the  prime  necessities  of  life — into  all  the 
ports  not  then  in  possession   of  the  Federal   forcee.     But 
9 


138  MEMOIR  OP 

this  business,  whicli  was  lightly  considered  of  sucli  ines- 
timable benefit  to  the  cause  and  the  people  at  large,  was 
about  to  strike  a  heavy  blow  at  the  community  of  Wilming- 
ton— a  blow  unequalled,  in  its  shocking  severity,  by  any  of 
the  bloody  campaigns  participated  in  by  the  sons  of  that 
city. 

In  Jnly,  1862,  the  dashing  little  Kate^  formerly  a  Charles- 
tOD  packet-boat,  steamed  boldly  through  the  Federal  fleet 
blockading  the  mouth  of  the  Cape  Fear  river,  and  brought 
up  to  the  wharves  of  Wilmington  a  valuable  cargo  from 
Nassau,  N.  P.  She  rapidly  unloaded,  as  rapidly  reloaded 
with  cotton,  and  departed  on  her  second  voyage.  But  she 
left  behind  her  that  which  brought  to  Wihniugton  many 
a  sad  day,  and  before  which  even  the  horrors  and  cxcito- 
ment  of  a  great  war  were  forgotten.  She  left  behind  her 
the  seeds  of  the  dreadful  scourge,  the  yellow  fever. 

It  did  not  spread  at  first— was  not  acknowledged  by  the 
physicians — was  not  even  suspected  by  the  i?iass  of  the 
people.  Still  it  crept  insidiously  about  among  the  habita- 
tions of  the  poor  and  amidst  the  urlieus  of  the  wretched. 
An  uneasy  feeling  at  length  began  to  ])revail.  There  was 
a  singular  increase  of  certain  types  of  fever — a  continually 
increasing  mortality  in  the  physicians'  lists,  until  at  the  end 
of  August  people  began  to  enquire  into  the  causes.  Still 
the  idea  of  yellow  fever  in  Wilmington  was  ridiculed — it 
was  simply  absurd. 

Thus  time  wore  on,  the  uneasiness  growing,  the  mortality 
incr:easing  until  the  13th  of  Septetaber,  when  the  point  was 
conceded,  and  on  the  17th  Dr.  Dickson,  one  of  the  leading 
physicians  of  the  city  and  himself  soon  to  become  one  of 
the  victims,  reported  five  cases  treated  by  him.  Two  days 
Liter  he  reported  three  more  cases,  making  eight,  of  whom 
six  died.     The   way  being  opened,  the   physicians  began 


KEV.  J.  L    PRICUARD.  139 

their  regular  reports,  and  in  a  week  twenty-six  cases  and 
nine  deaths  were  given  as  the  total.  With  the  acknowl- 
edgment of  the  disease  and  the  dread  confirmation  of  those 
dim  forebodings  which  had  made  the  community  restless 
for  weeks,  one  of  those  senseless  panics,  which  every  one 
can  argue  away  and  so  few  withstand,  set  in,  and  all  who 
were  able  to  get  away  left  at  once.  For  several  days  the 
railroads  and  the  high-ways  leading  from  the  city  were 
crowded  with  families  seeking  safety  in  flight.  This  in- 
creased the  anxiety  and  alarm  of  those  who  remained. 
The  weather  was  very  warm  and  rain  set  in.  Aided  by 
these  causes  the  disease  spread  rapidly,  and  for  the  week 
ending  October  Srd,  267  cases  and  82  deaths  were,  reported. 
The  following  week  there  were  395  cases  and  40  deaths. 
This  falling  off  in  the  mortality  led  the  people  to  believe 
that  the  disease  had  culminated;  but  their  hopes  were 
rudely  dashed  to  the  ground  when  the  following  week 
footed  up  431  cases  and  102  deaths,  and  the  week  after, 
194  cases  and  111  deaths.  Here  the  pestilence  seemed  to 
Iiave  spent  its  force  and  rapidly  declined :  the  next  week 
to  116  cases  and  40  deaths  ;  then  to  47  cases  and  30  deaths  ; 
then  to  21  cases  and  21  deaths ;  the  number  constantly 
growing  smaller  till  the  fever  disappeared. 

These  statistics  include  only  the  white  persons  who  died 
in  Wilmington.  Many  who  fled,  bore  the  seeds  of  the 
disease  with  them  to  their  places  of  refuge  and  there  died, 
Tlie  negroes  were  spared  at  first,  almost  universally,  but 
towards  the  close  the  mortality  was  greater  among  them 
than  among  the  whites.  About  150  deaths  of  blacks  are 
reported. 

Thu'ty-seven  per  cent,  of  the  cases  resulted^fatally.  The 
mortality  was  also  greater,  but  the  number  of  cases  smaller, 
ill  cool  weather,  while  warm  weather  favored  the  spread  of 


140  MEMOIR  OF 

the  disease  but  moderated  its  virulence.     As  in  all  epidem- 
ics the  fatality  was  greater  at  the  beginning  and  the  close. 

Am-ng  thorn  who  perished  in  this  memorable  season, 
besides  Mr.  Prichard,  were,  Kev.  Eobert  B.  Drane,  D.  D4, 
rector  of  St.  James  (Prot.  Epis.)  church  ;  Dr*  James  H. 
Dickson,  one  of  the  most  eminent  surgeons  of  the  State 
and  Preeident  of  the  N.  C.  Medical  Society,  a  man  beloved 
bj  the  whole  community  ;  Dr.  T,  C.  Worth,  brother  of  our 
present  Governor,  one  of  the  leading  merchants  of  the  place, 
admired  Dy  all  for  his  hearty  energy  and  genial  manners  ; 
James  S.  Green,  Treasurer  of  the  W.  and  W.  R.  E.,  the 
perfect  type  of  the  Cape  Fear  gentleman,  one  whose  large 
heart  embraced  all  mankind,  and  whose  gentle,  cordial  char- 
ities endeared  him  to  everybody ;  Col.  James  T.  Miller, 
chairman  of  the  County  court,  a  polished  gentleman  and  a 
rough  but  true  friend; — these  and  many  others  whose 
oss,  humanly  speaking,  was  irreparable,  were  swept  off 
in  that  carnival  of  death.  Every  family  deplored  the  fall 
of  some  @f  its  members  or  connections.  In  some  instances 
whole  families  were  stricken  down  and  followed  each  other 
in  rapid  succession  to  the  city  of  the  dead. 

As  we  have  stated  above,  nearlj>  all  who  were  able  to 
leave  the  city  did  so,  soon  after  the  prevalence  of  the  epi- 
demic was  known.  This  necessitated  the  closing  of  many 
places  of  business,  and  as  the  stock  of  provisions  in  the  city, 
already  small  by  reason  of  the  exhausting  deiaiands  of  the 
army  grew  smaller  and  smaller,  the  distress  among  the  poor 
and  even  among  those  who  were  able  to  purchase,  became 
alarming.  'No  carts  laden  with  the  good  gifts  of  the  coun- 
try came  to  the  beleaguered  city.  Every  one  shunned  it 
as  a  doomed  place,  and  it  seemed  that  the  horrors  of  famine 
were  to  be  added  to  those  of  pestilence.  Experienced  nur- 
ses>  attendants  and  physicians  were  also  sadly  needed,   a® 


EEV.    J.   L.   PRICHAED.  14:1 

the  burden  of  those  who  remained  in  the  city  and  were  not 
stricken  down,  became  almost  insupportable. 

Gen.  Beauregard  was  then  at  Charleston,  iii  command  of 
a  department  which  embraced  the  infected  district.  He 
was  rapidly  rising  to  the  zenith  of  his  reputation,  and,  ad- 
mired by  all  his  countrymen,  was  especially  the  idol 
those  immediately  about  him.  When  the  condition  of  the 
smitten  city  was  made  known  to  him,  he  at  once  detailed 
Dr.  Chopin  of  his  staff,  to  go  to  its  relief.  Through  .his 
efforts  other  experienced  physicians  and  a  number  of  skil- 
ful nurses  soon  followed. 

In  answer  to  an  appeal  for  provisions,  supplies  came  in 
from  the  villages  and  towns  of  our  own  St^te  and  from 
Richmond,  Charleston  and  other  Southern  cities.  A  chari- 
table association  was  formed  under  the  direction  of  the 
Mayor,  Hon.  John  Dawson,  and  when  these  various  ener- 
gies were  concentrated  and  put  in  motion,  destitution  dis- 
appeared and  the  struggle  between  the  belligerents  became 
less  unequal. 

Thus  briefly  have  we  sketched  tke  ravages  of  the  yellow 
fever  in  Wilmington,  but  no  pen  can  adequately  picture 
the  uttei*  desolation  and  loneliness  of  the  place,  as  the 
weary  days  "  dragged  their  slow  length  along."  The 
weather,  much  of  the  time,  was  beautiful.  Said  one  who 
was  there  through  it  all : 

*'For  days  and  days  the  sun  has  risen  in  a  sky  as  clear 
as  ever  overhung  the  shores  of  Italy — 'Deeply,  darkly, 
beautifully  blue  ' — and  has  poured  down  his  rays  with  a 
power  and  splendor  that  might  well  entitle  our  climate  to 
be  called  a  'sunny'  one.  And  tlie  evening  has  settled 
down  mild  and  dewy,  as  calm  and  as  peaceful  as  though 
war,  pestilence  and  famine  were  unknown.  Even  the 
fl,owers,  neglected  and  run  wild,  as  they  too  often  are  in 


142  MEMOIR  OF 

the  gardens  of  deserted  houses,  are  in  the  fullest  bloom, 
and  no  leaf  falls  yet.  The  trees  are  green — there  is  little 
sign  of  decay.  To-day  the  sun  came  out  without  a  cloud 
and  bids  fair  to  continue  so.  The  sky  is  really  beautiful, 
but  it  is  a  fatal  beauty,  or  at  least  it  seems  so  to  us,  who 
know  that  yesterday  over  sixty  persons  sickened,  and  that 
of  these  a  number  must  die.  Who  know  that  now,  out  of 
our  thinned  population,  some  four  hundred  must  be  sick 
with  a  fearful  epidemic.  It  will  be  long  before  any  of  us 
who  have  seen  this  October  through  in  Wilmington,  will 
take  pleasure  in  the  splendors  of  autumn  weather,  rivalling 
the  more  seasonal)le  glories  of  summer." 

How  striking  the  contrast  between  this  beauty  of  earth 
and  sky,  and  the  gloom  and  desolation  which  brooded  over 
the  hearts  and  homes  and  avocations  of  men.  The  ordi. 
nary  pursuits  of  pleasure  and  gain  were  forgotten.  Tlie 
streets,  deserted  by  pedestrians,  echoed  only  to  the  quick 
rattle  of  the  doctor's  buggy  or  the  solemn  rumble  of  the 
hearse. 

In  this  scene  of  fear  and  anxiety  and  suffering,  we  need 
not  say  that  Mr.  Prichard  was  no  laggard.  At  such  a 
time  and  in  such  a  place,  no  one  was  more  at  home  than 
^e.  His  active  sympathies  everywhere  suggested  what  was 
best  to  be  done,  and  his  hands  were  skilful  to  prepare  what 
his^heart  suggested. 

On  the  12th  of  August  he  had  parted  with  his  wife  and 
four  younger  children  who  were  about  to  visit  relations  in 
Hichmond,  Ya.,  little  thinking  that  he  would  never  meet 
them  again  on  earth.  He  continued  in  the  diligent  dis- 
charge of  his  duties,  visiting  the  soldiers  in  the  hospital  and 
at  the  depot,  and  preachinoj  on  the  Sabbath  to  large  crowds 
till  his  congregations  were  scattered  and  broken  up  by  the 
pestilence.     The   last  Thursday    evening    prayer- meeting 


EEV.   J.   L.   PRICHAED.  148 

was  attended  only  by  him  and  two  faithful  female  members 
of  the  church.  Their  next  meeting  was  where  '^congrega- 
tions" ne'er  break  up"  and  prayer  is  turned  into  praise.     In 

short  time  they  had  all  passed  away  from  the  earth. 

When  it  was  ascertained  that  the  pestilence  w^as  at  work 
in  the  place  he  did  not  advise  others  to  remain.  But  he 
quickly  decided  that  home  w^as  his  place,  and  there  was  no 
faltering  or  hesitating  after  this.  Those  who  knew  his 
social  disposition  will  appreciate  the  feeling  of  loneliness 
which  crept  over  him  as  one  and  another  of  his  brethren 
lel't.  "  Sister  C.  moving  away  !"  This  brief  entry  in  his 
journal  notes  his  sadness  at  the  departure  of  one  who,  in 
seasons  of  affliction,  had  always  been  a  ministering  angel 
in  her  pastor's  family.  But  he  was  not  the  man,  and  this 
was  not  the  time,  to  indulge  in  idle  despondency  or  grief. 
The  suffering  ones  all  abont  liim  were  crying  for  relief  and 
he  was  soon  at  work  like  an  angel  of  mercy.  His  views 
and  feelings  and  labors  at  this  time  are  touchingly  set  forth 
in  his  letters  to  his  family. 

Before  the  letters  are  introduced  which  refer  to  the  fever. 
a  communication  written  to  his  four  little  children  the 
oldest  of    whom  was    nine    years    old,    will  be  given  as 

illustrative  of  the  tender  interest  he  took  in    their  welfare  : 

"  My  Deak  Ohtijdren,  Annie,  Johnnie,  Georgie  and  Lit- 
tle SisJanie: — I  wonder  what  yon  are  all  doing  this 
morning.  It  it  has  been  raining  in  R.  as  it  has  been  here, 
I  expect  you  are  all  in  the  house — Annie  nursing  little 
sissie,  and  Johnnie  and  Georgie  looking  at  the  books  and 
pictures  and  playing  with  little  cousin  J.  I  am  so  glad 
you  are  having  such  a  nice  time,  walking,  riding  and 
visiting  your  cousins  and  seeing  so  many  interesting  things. 
And  you  went  down  to  the  Capitol  Square,  and  saw  the 
great  horse  rearing  upon  the  top  of  the  monument.  Did 
you  see  those  men  standing  below  the  horse  ?  1  want  you 
to    tell    me    their    names    when    you    come  home,  and 


144  MEMOIB  OF 

to  tell  me  what  they  6eem  to  be  doing,  &c.  Did  you  see 
Heniy  Clay  ?  and  the  water  spouting  up  and  raining  down, 
and  the  beautiful  walks  and  trees  ?  O,  is  it  not  a  beautiful 
place  to  play  in  ?  Did  Mama  show  you  the  Governor's 
House?  Did  she  take  you  into  the  State  Library  and  show 
you  the  large  flags  and  beautiful  banners  and  muskets  and 
swords?     You  must  see  them  all,  and  tell  me  about  tliem, 

"  And  you  went  to  see  dear  little  cousins'  graves.  xS^ow, 
you  see,  litte  children  die  everywhere.  O,  jou  don't  know 
how  much  Papa  does  miss  you.  One  night  last  week — 
Auntie  and  Bobby  were  away  and  I  was  left  all  alone.  O 
it  was  so  still !  Papa  had  to  to  read  and  have  prayers 
alone !  But  you  may  be  sure  I  thought  of  my  darling 
children  and  prayed  for  them  and  dear  Mama,  and  all  our 
friends.  '  I  hope  you  will  be  very  good  children.  I  was 
very  glad  to  get  dear  little  G's.  letter.  It  his  first  one  to 
Papa.  I  shall  prize  it  very  highly.  Is  not  yot  your  little 
sissie  a  funny  little  girl,  to  say  '  Buddy  Annie  V  What 
does  she  call  cousin  J  ?  I  suppose  Uncles  J.  and  C.  are 
gone  before  this.  I  reckon  you  have  had  a  nice  time  with 
Uncle  G.  How  did  he  get  another  horse?  Did  he  find 
his? 

You  must  give  a  great  deal  of  love  to  all  from  Papa.  I 
am  your  aflfectionate  father." 

letter  to   his    darghtp:r   at  school  in   south    carolina. 

September,  16th,  18(j2. 
"  I  am  truly  glad  that  the  school  is  so  liberally  patron- 
ized and  that  everything  moves  on  so  harmoniously.  My 
earnest  prayer  is  that  the  school  may  be  blessed  with  a  gra- 
cious revival  of  religion,  and  that  you,  and  E.,  and  B.,  and 
indeed  all  the  daughters  who  are  there  may  become  the 
happy  subjects  of  it,  I  have  made  this  a  special  subject 
of  prayer.  Think  seriously  of  this,  my  dear  child.  With- 
out an  interest  in  Christ,  all  else  is  nothing  and  vanity. 
Without  it,  all  your  advantages,  intellectual  and  religious, 
so  far  from  proving  blessings,  will  turn  out  to  be  curses. 
But  possessed  of  religion  all  these  advantages  will  turn  out 
to  be  bright  jewels,  to  adorn  and  make  you  useful  here  and 
happy  hereafter.  O,  then,  seek  '  the  pearl  of  great  price,' 
and  seek  it  now  f         *        *        * 


RE7.   J.   L.   PEICHARD.  145 

There  lias  been  much  sickness  here  for  the  last  fortnight 
and  it  is  now  pronounced  yellow  fever,  by  the  physicians. 
There  is  great  excitement.  Wilmington  has  never  appeared 
80  desolate  since  we  have  lived  here.  I  am  truly  glad  yon 
are  so  far  removed  from  these  sad  scenes.  The  hand  of 
God  is  in  all  these  things.  I  feel  just  as  safe  here  as  any- 
where else.  I  could  get  no  nearer  to  God,  except  xxe 
should  take  me  to  Himself,  where  there  is  no  war  and  no 
sickness.  My  times  are  in  his  hands.  I  would  not  have 
it  otherwise." 

(to  the  same.) 

OcTOBEK  1st,  1862. 

"Your  aunt  and  R.  and  I  have  all  been  well 

thus  far,  but  sickness  and  death  have  been  and  still  are  all 
around  us.  We  are  in  the  midst  of  death.  I  attended  the 
funeral  of  one  of  the  first  who  died  of  fever,  not  knowing 
it  at  the  time,  and  ever  since  have  been  in  the  midst  of  it. 
Our  once  happy  town  is  almost  depopulated.  Many  have 
died  and  a  great  many  have  left.  It  is  impossible  to  give 
you  an  adequate  idea  of  the  desolate  scene  you  witness  at 
every  turn.  Many  physicians  and  nurses  have  been  sent 
from  Charleston,  for  which  we  feel  truly  thankful.  All 
will  be  done  that  can  be,  but  our  trust  is  Jn  God  alone,  for 
fie  alone  can  help  us  and  deliver  us  from  this  dire  calamity. 
My  trust  is  in  Him  and  to  His  merciful  care  and  protec- 
tion 1  commit  you  and  all  my  dear  family.  O  Mary,  my 
de^r  child,  let  me  with  ail  the  entreaty  of  a  loud  father, 
beg  of  you  to  seek  an  interest  in  Jesus  Christ.  My  heart 
is  set  on  you  and  all  my  dear  children,  to  educate  you  in 
the  way  of  holiness  and  usefulness  here,  and  for  happiness 
hereafter.  But  we  know  not  what  God  may  ^ee  proper  to 
do  with  us.  I  still  hope  to  see  you  at  the  end  of  this  ses- 
sion, but  we  know  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth.  Try 
and  be  calm  and  trust  in  God,  that  He  v»dll  take  care  of  us 
who  are  so  much  exposed.  God  is  with  us  and  can  shield 
us  here  as  well  as  anywhere  else."  ''^  ^  *'^ 
(to   the   same.) 

Oct.  8th. 

"  -  .   • We  are   thus  far     v;ell,    through 

mercy,    but  I  cannot  tell   how  long  we  may  continue  so' 


146  MEMOIR  OF 

Try,  mj  dear  child,  to  realize  the  true  state  of  things.  The 
Lord  will  hear  us  pray  to  Him.  Should  I  die,  I  trust  I 
have  given  my  heart  to  Christ,  and  that  I  should  go  to 
meet  your  sainted  mother  and  dear  little  brother  Jemmie. 
But  I  trust,  my  dear  child,  that  God  will  spare  us  to  meet 
again  in  our  hnmble  home,  to  thank  and  praise  him  lor 
his  loving  kindness.  And  6,  Mary,  if  1  could  only  be  per- 
mitted to  embrace  you  as  a  true  child  of  (iod,  my  grati- 
tude and  joy  would  know  no  bounds.  I  have  consecratf^d 
you  and  ail  the  dear  children  to  the  precious  Saviour." 

AL  A'-  *  45-  *  4?-  -Sf-  * 


Jto   the   sajhe.) 


October,  IStii. 


Dr.  Drane  died  yesterday.     O,  how 

much  he  will  be  missed  by  his  people.  But  God  know* 
best  what  to  do.  '  The  Judge  of  all  the  earth  '  will  do 
right !  My  dear  child,  I  have  but  little  time  to  write  you 
now.  My  whole  time  is  taken  up  with  trying  to  do  what 
I  can  for  others.  A.  (a  servant)  was  taken  witli  the  fever 
last  Friday,  but  is  now  better.  L.  (another  servant)  was 
taken  this  morning,  so  you  can  imagine  our  condition.     * 

*  ^  Now,  my  dear,  you  see  on  how  slender  a  thread, 
hang  our  lives.  The  Lord  alone  can  keep  us  or  prepare  us 
for  affliction  or  death.  Let  me  urge  you,  with  all  a  fond 
father's  love,  to  try  and  give  your  heart  to  the  precious  Sa- 
viour. Why  should  you  delay  ?  By  delaying  all  may  be 
lost.  I  have  recently  felt  unusual  solicitude  for  your  con- 
version and  Robert's.  O,  if  I  could  only  feel  that  you  were 
ti'uly  the  children  of  God  I  should  be  relieved  of  a  great  bur- 
den. Do  tell  me,  my  dear  child,  how  you  feel  on  this  subject." 

(to  his  wife.) 

WiLMiNGT05r,  Sept.  I5th,  1862. 
"  *  -  *  -  -  At  3,  P.  M.,  Monday,  I  at- 
tended the  funeral  of  Mrs.  C,  just  as  a  heavy  storm  of  wind 
and  rain  commenced,  and  immediately  afterwards  I  went 
to  mail  your  letter  and  got  almost  wet.  It  was  the  heavi- 
est rain  I  almost  ever  saw,  accompanied  by  severe  thunder 
and  lightning.  It  tore  the  streets  and  roads  badly.  Wed- 
nesday morning  i  attended  the  funeral  of  a  child  near  Kid- 
der's brick-yard. 


KEY.   J.  L.   PRICHARD.  141 

Thursday,  most  of  the  day  at  home.  Hearing  that  the  56th 
Eegt.  was  up,  I  started  to  see  them.  There  is  a  company 
of  our  Camden  friends  in  it,  but  they  had  not  come  up  from 
the  Sound.  Y^'e  liud  a  pleasant  prayer-meeting  in  the  af- 
ternoon— more  out  than  usuaL  Friday,  went  to  see  56th 
Kegt.,  met  several  Camden  men — all  glad  to  see  me — call-, 
ed  to  see  brother  M.,  brother  P.  and  E.  B.,  all  sick.  At 
home  till  after  tea.  E.  B.  died  at  6,  P.  M.  I  went  round 
there  a  wliilc,  Saturday  morning.  At  3,  P.  M.,  attended 
E's.  funeral,  and  at  6  attended  the  funeral  of  M.  S.  over  the 
Rail  road.  And  now  it  began  to  be  rumored  that  yellow  fe- 
ver was  in  town,  and  at  a  consultation  of  the  doctors,  S'-n-t- 
urday  evening,  it  was  agreed  that  it  luas  really  yellow  fe- 
"Der  !  So  I  have  been  in  the  midst  of  it  without  knowing 
it.  Mrs.  C's.  disease  is  said  to  have  been  the  same — there 
have  been  nearly  a  dozen  cases,  and  others  ai'e  reported  to 
day.     Many  families  are  leaving. 

I  hear  that  the  Provost  Marshal  granted  passes  to  over  a 
hundred  families  yesterday.  Yesterday  I  preached  twice, 
held  church  meeting,  appointed  delegates  to  our  Associa- 
tion, took  collection  for  colportage,  also  called  to  see  a  sick 
lady.  I  have  been  to  see  brother  M.  this  morning.  He  is 
better  and  will  leave  to-morrow.  Black  columns  of  smoke 
are  rising  all  over  the  town  from  burning  rosin.  I  have 
tried  to  commit  all  to  God  and  to  feel '  Our  times  are  in  his 
hands.'  1  have  written  plainly.  1  have  been  much  better 
for  some  days  past  and  now  feel  qaite  well.  May  God 
mercifully  preserve  us  all  to  meet  again.  Let  us  often  be 
in  prayer  for  each  other  and  our  dear  family.  My  kindest 
regards  to  all.     Love  to  the  dear  children  from  Papa." 

(to  the  same.) 

WiLMi^'GTON,  Sept.  22d,  18G2. 
''You  don't  know  how  much  pleasure  your  letters  gave 
lis.  We  are  beholding  a  true  picture  of  life.  Clouds  rest 
on  some,  while  the  sun  shines  on  others.  I  am  glad  yours 
is  the  sunshine,  or  '  sunny  side,'  while  ours  is  '  sliady  side.' 
It  is  all  right.  God  knows  what  is  best,  and  He  will  do 
right.  After  writing  you,  on  Monday,  I  remained  at  home. 
After  tea  I  was  alone,  yet  not  alone,  for  in  heart  I  was  with 
you  and  our  dear  little  ones,  and  my  prayer  was  for  God's 


148  MEiCOIR  OF 

protecting  care  over  us  all.  Tuesday  many  families  con- 
tinued to  leave.  I  spent  the  day  mostly  at  home  read- 
intr,  &c. 

Wednesday  afternoon  I  went  to  see  a  poor,  degraded 
woman  who  had  sent  for  me.  She  was  dying,  but  in  her 
right  mind.  She  wanted  me  to  pray  with  her — I  did  so — 
she  died  tliat  night.  I  then  called  to  see  Mrs.  L.  and 
prayed  witli  her,  and  then  went  to  Mr.  G's.  On  reaching 
liome  Mrs.  W.  had  sent  for  me.  I  went  to  the  hospital  ana 
found  a  man  quite  ill,  but  happy,  with  whom  I  conversed. 
IsTow,  I  was  tired — the  day's  work  w^as  done.  Thursday 
was  a  beautiful  day.  We  had  services  at  the  usual  hour — 
small  number  out.  I  enjoyed  the  meeting.  At  8-J,  P. 
M.,  I  had  a  meeting  at  the  Light-House  Battery,  and  at  5, 
married  a  couple.  ^  ''  *  Saturday  1  was  sent  for 
to  see  a  man  with  the  fever.  I  asked  Dr.  D.  what  he 
thought  I  ought  to  do.  '  Well,'  he  said, '  I  reckon  you  will 
have  to  do  as  I  do.  It  is  like  war,  we  must  take  our 
chances.  You  will  have  to  go  and  see  many  during  their 
illness,  &c.,  &c.'  h  rained  in  torrents  during  tlie  day,  and 
Sunda}^  it  continued  raining  all  day,  until  at  sunset,  it 
cleared.  I  preached  to  very  few  in  the  morning.  At  9|, 
I  attended  the  funeral  of  brother  B's  child,  which  died  of 
fever,  and  at  4,  the  funeral  of  a  Mrs.  B.  We  had  no  after- 
noon services. 

I  do  not  think  there  is  any  visible  abatement  in  the  dis- 
ease. There  have  been  many  deaths— ^some  of  other  dis- 
eases. Two  men  died  just  below  us  Saturday  night  of  yel- 
low fever.  It  has  been  showery  all  day  and  is  raining  now 
—3,  P.  M.  *         *  *  We  will  write  you  fully. 

Don't  be  alarmed.  We  are  just  as  near  to  God  here,  as 
we  would  be  anywhere  out  of  Heaven.  Let  us  humble 
ourselves  before  God  and  pray  for  his  protection.  I  feel 
calm  and  resigned.     I  pray  that  God  will  bless  you  all." 


CHAPTEE  IX. 
Fever    Still     Eaging — Mr.    Prichaed    Continues  his 
Arduous  Labors — Confidence  in  Divine   Sovereignty 
— ^Letters — Arrested  by  Fever— Affecting  Details- 
Death — Reflections. 

The  city  of  Wilmington  is  still  wrapped  in  gloom.  All 
hope  of  arresting  the  disease  seems  now  to  have  passed 
away,  and  the  comparatively  few  remaining  families  are 
awaiting,  with  hourly  apprehension,its  terrible  march.  Al- 
most every  one  of  these  families  has  been  already  smitten. 
They  have  seen  dearly  loved  ones  borne  to  the  grave,  or 
lying 'prostrate  beneath  the  touch  of  the  pestilence  as  i% 
swept  through  the  city.  How  sadly  desolate  those  streets  ! 
How  mournful  the  salutation  of  familiar  friends  !  With 
what  tender  sympathy  and  solicitude  tliese  stricken  ones 
clung  to  each  othei' ! 

la  the  midst  of  this  sorrowing  population,  the  subject  of 
this  memoir  still  remained.  He  could  not  consent  to  listen 
to  the  yearning  pleas  of  his  absent  wife  and  children,  as 
with  anxious  fear,  they  were  ready  to  desire  his  retirement' 
from  the  post  of  danger.  Gladly  would  they  liave  shared 
in  the  perils  of  his  position,  but  for  his  remonstrances  and 
those  of  other*.  He  could  not  dare  to  leave  what 
he    believed    to   be    the  path    of    duty.       Mi^  sesitiven 


150  MEMOIR  OP 

heart  bled  with  anguish  as  he  saw  his  fellow, citizens  pass- 
ing away,  and  heard  the  lamentations  of  survivers.  For 
himself  he  felt  no  fear.  He  was  ready  to  live  and  labor, 
or  to  die.  The  Divine  will,  he  knew,  must  decide  his  des- 
tiny, and  with  unfaltering  trust  he  committed  himself  to 
God,  as  unto  a  faithful  Creator, 

A  moral  sublimity  appears  in  this  survey.  The  letter 
which  follows  reveals  the  quiet  confidence  with  which  he 
awaited  the  return  and  passage  of  each  day.  "No  one 
thought  of  God  is  more  precious  than  that  of  his  sovereign- 
ty,' 'he  writes.  That  thought  was  a  sustaining  power  in 
the  midst  of  his  sufferings  und  toils.  Writing  to  his  wife, 
under  date  of  September  29th,  he  says : 

"This  is  a  most  beautiful  and  lovely  morning,  contrasting 
most  strikingly  with  the  state  of  things  around  us.  But 
who  can  tell  but  that  it  is  a  cheering  omen  of  the  early 
passing  away  of  the  dark  death-cloud,  that  now  hangs  over 
our  once  happy  and  prosperous  town  ?  Thoughts  of  God 
have  been  very  precious  to  me  during  the  prevalence  of 
this  disease  and  our  troubles  generally,  but  no  one  thought 
of  God  is  more  precious  to  me  than  that  of  His  Sovereign- 
ty. '  The  Lord  reign eth.'  Yes,  he  reigns  in  this  disease. 
It  is  permitted  for  a  most  wise  and  gracious  purpose. 

"  After  writing  to  you  last  Monday,  I  attended  to  con- 
siderable business  and  was  quite  tired  at  night,  but  re- 
tired early  and  slept  sweetly.  Tuesday,  it  was  manifest 
that  the  fever  was  on  the  increase,  and  the  people  are  mo- 
ving rapidly  away.  All  the  drays  were  hauling  rosin, 
lime,  and  coal-tar  from  the  gas  house.  This  lime  is  strong- 
ly impregnated  witli  the  pungent  odor  of  gas  and  since  it 
lies  at  nearly  all  tlie  doors  in  town,  the  whole  town  smells 
of  gas.  Hundred  of  barrels  of  rosin  have  been  burnt.  I 
know  not  whether  there  is  any  efficacy  in  this.  It  can 
do  no  harm. 

"  Wednesday  was  truly  a  gloomy  day  as  to  the  fever.  I 
attended  two  funerals,  then  called  at  brother  T's.  and  Dr. 
D's.     The  Dr.  was  taken  Tuesday,  was  out  till  11,    A.   M. 


EEV.   J.  L.   PRICHARD.  151 

Went,  home  with  a  chilL  About  four  I  called  over  to  Mr 
S's.  Mrs.  S.  had  jnst  died!  Thursday  morning  I  attended 
the  funeral  of  a  child  and  at  1  1-2,  P.  M.,  attended  Mrs,  S's. 
funeral  and  went  to  the  Cemetery.  Friday  afternoon  I  at- 
tended the  funeral  of  Mrs.  H.  aud  also  the  funeral  of  an 
old  man,  born  in  1785.  Then  made  several  calls.  Satur- 
day visited  several  sick  families,  heard  of  a  number  of 
deaths.  Dr.  Choppin  of  Beauregard's  staif  arrived— heard 
Dr.  Dickson  was  dying,  liad  made  his  will,  &c.  After  din- 
ner, sister  made  soup  and  I  carried  it  to  brother  T's.  They 
were  so  thankful.  Sunday  morning  a.vairj  wen  L  to  brother 
T's  and  Mr.  P's.  Mr.  G.,  Mrs.  B.  and  Dr.  D.  dead  ;  in  all  I 
heard  from  9  to  12  dead.  At  10,  A.  M.,  attended  Mrs. 
D's.  funeral ;  went  to  brother  B's.  and  Mrs.  Gr's.  The  latter 
almost  dead  !  Held  a  short  service  in  the  church,  and  at  1 
attended  the  funeral  of  Mr.  N.,  and  at  4  w^ent  to  Dr.  Dick- 
sons'  funeral — no  lady  with  Mrs.  D.  Dr.  Drane  and  I 
rode  to  the  Cemetery,  and  some  four  or  five  other  gentle- 
men, also  Mrs.  D.  From  his  grave  went  to  Mr.  G's.,  and 
home  at  sun  set.  "  In  deaths  oft.''  So  you  can  imagine 
somewhat  only  of  the  state  of  things  around  us.  It  is  no 
longer  the  Wilmington  you  left.  But  the  Lord  is  with  us 
and  still  will  be.  When  1  went  down  town  this  morning 
I  saw  several  from  the  Sound.  Mr.  J.  died  there  yester- 
day of  yellow  fever.  Met  Mr.  M.  from  Charleston  who  is 
here  to  aid  us  in  nursing,  several  nurseb  have  arrived.  I 
have  heard  of  several  deaths  this  morning,  several  others 
expected  to  die.  Have  attended  one  funeral  and  expect  to 
attend  another  at  4,  P.  M.  You  can  not  conceive  of  the 
desolation  of  our  town.  Scarcely  a  store  open.  We  find 
that  many  who  have  left  have  died.  It  is  thought  that  it 
is  safer  to  remain  than  to  leave.  I  cannot  reconcile  it 
to  myself  to  leave  the  many  who  must  suffer,  if  som-s 
one  does  not  attend  to  them.  I  try  to  be  much  in. 
prayer.  Dr.  D.  will  lemain.  Mr.  R.  is  here.  Tlie  Cath- 
olic Priest  is  here,  no  other  ministers.  I  have  thought 
much  of  brother  H.  remaining  in  Portsmouth.  ]S^o  one 
would  have  blamed  him  for  remaining  if  he  had  died.  On 
the  other  hand  every  body  praised  him  for  his  devotion'- at 
such  a  time.  His  conduct  and  that  of  other  ministers  has 
received  the  approbation  of  all. 


152  MEMOIR  OJ- 

"  Let  no  one  think  me  veckleSs  of  life,  or  regardless  of 
tny  wife  and  children.  No  indeed,  I  yield  to  none  in  inr 
love  of  life  or  of  my  family.  But  must  a  minister  fly  from 
disease  and  danger  and  leave  poor  people  tosufler  for  want 
of  attention  ?  How  can  he  more  appropriately  die,  than 
'^hen  facing  disease  and  death  for  Christ's  sake  ?  Did  the 
Saviour  ever  draw  back  ?  I  know  not  what  will  be  my 
fate.  I  have  committed  myself  and  family  to  God,  pray- 
ing Him  to  take  care  of  us  all.  And  if  I  fall,  I  leave  you 
to'iiis  merciful  care  and  protection.  I  think  much  of  you. 
I  took  R  mournful  pleasure,  yesterday,  in  looking  at  all  the 
daguerreotypes.  Ky  heart  was  moved.  Some  here,  and 
some  have  crossed  the  river  and  are  happy.  How  soon 
others  may  go,  God  only  knows.     Are  we  prepared  for  it? 

feel  deeply  for  M.  and  R.  Do  all  of  you  unite  in  prayer 
for  their  salvation  and  the  servants  also.  I  speak  of  them, 
for  they  are  older. 

Tell  your  father,  I  thank  him  for  his  kind  words.  They 
are  such  as  I  Imve  always  received  from  him.  I  will  try 
and  write  him  ere  long.  He  will  still  be  your  father  and 
the  father  of  our  dear  little  ones,  if  I  shall  see  them  no 
more.  But  I  expect  to  see  you  all  again  on  earth.  I  de- 
sire to  be  aifectionately  remembered  to  every  one  of  the 
family.     Kiss  the  sweet  children  for  Papa." 

It  was  not  the  will  of  God  that  his  hopes  should  be  realized. 
His  beloved  family  was  to  be  seen  no  more  on  earth.  But 
every  day  he  was  waiting  for  the  summons  of  his  Divdne 
Master.  The  details  of  the  communication  which  follows, 
are  peculiarly  affecting,  giving  a  view  of  the  sickening 
horrors  of  the  position,  and  illustrating  the  sublime  hero- 
ism of  this  servant  of  Jesus,  as  well  as  the  faith  and  hope 
which  so  triumphantly  bore  him  along  the  pathway  of 
danger.     He  writes  to  his  family,  October  5th  : 

*^  Notwithstanding  it  is  Sunday,  I  conclude  that  it  will 
not  be  displeasing  to  God  for  me  to  write  you.  And  what 
a  great  privilege  I  esteen  it,  to  be  permitted  again  to  let 
you  know  of  our  welfare.  Through  the  abounding  mercy 
ot  God  we  are  all  spared  and  well  thm  far.     I    will  give 


RET.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  153 

you  a  running  sketch  of  each  day  since  1  last  wrote.  Mr. 
Win.  H.  died  on  Tuesday  morning.  The  same  day  I  at- 
tended the  funeral  of  brother  B.  and  his  little  babe — three 
of  this  family  are  gone.  At  2  J,  P.  M.,  attended  the  funeral 
of  a  little  boy  living  near  us.  *  ^  *  Wednesday 
was  a  most  beautiful  day.  .  .  .  Went  for  medicine  for 
Mr.  T.,  who  has  the  fever,  also  Mrs.  P.,  her  mother  and 
little  J.  So  yon  see  it  is  around  us  and  even  at  our  door. 
In  the  afternoon  I  went  to  see  J.  P.,  who  has  the  fever,  and 
also  to  brother  H's.,  then  to  brother  T's,  Mr.  P's.  and  home. 
Thursday,  at  10,  A.  M.,  I  went  to  attend  the  funeral  of 
Mrs.  K's  daughter,  thence  on  by  brother  T's.  and  bought 
some  things  for  them.  I  had  a  distressing  headache  much 
of  the  day.  Mr.  M.^sent  a  barrel  of  flour,  of  the  Gallego 
brand,  for  us  to  distribute  among  the  poor.     We  sent  some 

to   ,    and  I  carried    some   to  sister  S.     We  have  no 

prayer-meeting  on  Thursday  afternoon  now.  There  is  no 
one  to  go.  Dr.  D.  is  very  agreeable — consults  freely  with 
me,  and  is  acting  nobly  and  doing  all  he  can.  So  also  is 
Father  M.  very  sociable.  I  met  him  the  other  evening  and 
he  introduced  me  to  another  Priest  from  Charleston,  who 
came  with  the  '  Sisters  of  Mercy  '  to  nurse. 

Friday. — I  slept  sweetly  last  night,  and  this  morning 
my  head  is  entirely  easy.  It  is  somewhat  cloudy.  I  do 
not  go  out  till  81,  or  9,  A.  M.  Just  as  I  was  going 
down  sister  S.  sent  for  me,  I  went,  found  Mr.  S.  dying  ! 
He  died  a  little  after  9.  As  you  may  suppose,  sister  S. 
was  crushed.  At  10,  A.  M.,  attended  the  funeral  of  old 
Mrs.  S.  In  the  afternoon  went  to  see  Mr.  S.,  who  has 
the  fever.  It  was  his  mother  who  died.  Attended  an- 
other funeral  at  11,  A.  M.  After  tea  went  for  medicine 
for  Mr.  P.  Poor  fellow,  I  pity  him,  he  has  to  do  every- 
thing. And  poor  Mrs.  T.  has  no  one  to  aid  her,  except 
what  we  do.  She  seems  very  thankful.  I  am  glad  we 
can  do  anything  for  anybody.         *         •»         * 

This,  Sunday  morning,  we  had  services  in  our  church — 
a  dozen  or  more  whites  and  as  many  colored  persons  pres- 
ent. I  spoke  from  Jno.  iii :  35.  The  morning  was  beau- 
tiful, but  very  warm.  Just  as  we  were  going  to  church, 
I  perceived  that  the  wind  had  shifted  from  South  to 
10 


154  MEMOIR  OP 

Northwest.  It  was  a  little  cooler.  About  2  it  began  to 
cloud  up  and  at  3,  P.  M.,  tlie  wind  changed  to  Northeast, 
and  whilst  I  have  been  writing  this,  in  my  study,  we  have 
had  thunder  and  lightning,  and  a  heavy  shower.  I  feel 
confident  God  will  do  all  things  well.  Indeed  I  find  no 
comfort,  only  as  I  am  enabled  to  trust  him  implicitly. 
We  are  so  prone  to  think  that  some  other  way  than  His 
way  is  best.  I  feel  constant  need  of  correcting  myself. 
But  I  do  find  it  sweet  to  bring  my  mind  to  feel  that  '  His 
Kingdom  ruleth  over  all,'  and  that  '  He  is  head  over  all 
things  to  the  church,'  and  that  the  ^  Father  has  commit- 
ted all  things  into  His  hands.'  Now,  if  the  Father  has 
committed  all  his  vast  concerns  to  Him,  can  we  not  com- 
mit ourselves  and  all  that's  dear  to  us,  to  Him  ?  Surely, 
we  can,  we  will.  But  this  resignation,  so  far  from  causing 
us  to  ieel  indifferent  or  to  rehix  our  exertions,  is  our  only 
encouragjment  to  feel  interested  and  to  put  forth  all  pos- 
sible effort.     *         *         "         * 

"  0,  yes,  we  thought  of  darling  little  J's.  birthday. 
God  bless  the  dear  children,  and  dear  mama,  and  all.  0, 
He  has  greatly  blessed  us.  '  Shall  we  receive  good  at  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  and  not  evil  ?'  We  must  not  expect 
an  uninterrupted  course  of  enjoyment  in  this  world. 
And  if  we  are  all  spared  through  this  time  of  great 
afiliction,  there  is  assuredly  a  day  ahead  of  us  that  will 
fill  us  with  sorrow  and  mourning.  I  reckon,  if  Lazaruj 
could  have  been  consulted,  he  would  rather  not  have  been 
raised  from  the  dead.  '  To  die  is  gain  '  to  the  christian. 
I  often  think  of  John  Foster's  consoling  words  to  Miss 
Sarah  Saunders  :  '  But  if  He,  who  is  the  sovereign  and 
gracious  Disposer  of  our  life  and  all  our  interests,  has 
determined  other\i'ise,  it  is,  indeed,  Miss  Sarah,  it  is  be- 
cause that  loill  he  letter :  and  you  yourself  will  know  and 
pronounce  it  to  be  better.  Oh,  it  is  better  be  a  happy 
and  immortal  being  in  the  presence  and  enjoyment  of  the 
infinite  good  and  mingling  in  the  society  of  angelic 
spirits  and  of  the  '  spirits  of  the  just '  that  are  already 
associated  with  them,  than  to  stay  in  this  world,  in  even 
the  happiest  lot  that  Providence  ever  allots  to  the  most 
favored  of  mortals.     To   make  a  complete,  final,    triura- 


EEV.  J.  L    PEIGIIARD.  155 

pliant  escape  from  all  the  evils  of  our  degraded  and 
afflicted  nature  and  this  melancholy  world  ;  to  be  clearly 
and  forever  beyond  the  region,  and  beyond  all  possibility 
of  sin  and  sorrow — this  is  V'.^orth  resigning  ail  on  earth 
to  attain,' 

It  matters  but  little  I'uJien,  icliere  or  hoio  we  die,  so  we 
are  prepared  for  it.  Let  us  strive  for  it.  I  trust,  my 
dear  wife,  you  will  try  and  be  calm  and  trustful.  1  sin- 
cerely pray  we  may  ail  meet  again  on  earth.  ]^o  one's 
family  is  dearer  to  him  than  mine  is  to  me.  I  thank  G-od 
for  wlif4,t  he  has  permitted  us  all  to  enjoy  together — few 
families  have  eojoyed  more,  I  am  conscious  of  many, 
very  many  imperfections  and  weaknesses.  No  one  re- 
grets it  so  much  as  I  do.  0,  that  I  were  freer — yea,  en- 
tirely free  from  all  imperfections  and  a  more  lovable  man 
than  I  am.  Through  abounding  grace  I  trust  to  be  made 
-clean  and  pure  and  holy,  not  having  '  spot  or  wrinkle, 
or  any  such  thing.'  *  "^  '^'  V/e  have  had  a  fine 
shower.  It  is  4,  P.  IvL,  and  yet  cloudy.  Sincerest  love 
to  all.     Iviss  the  dear  children  for  papa." 

A  few  days  pass  away,  all  filled  up  with  pains-taking 
endeavors  to  soothe  the  bereaved  and  to  nurse  the  sick. 
Under  date  of  October  12th,  he  again  writes  to  his  anx- 
ious w^ife  : 

^'  We  were  glad  to  get  your  l-ettersthis  morning,  inform- 
ing us  that  you  were  all  well  and  enjoying  so  riiany  priv- 
ileges. It  is  such  a  comfort  to  us  to  know  that  whatever 
may  be  owv  lot,  the  lines  have  fallen  to  you  in  goodly 
places.  It  would  add  much  to  our  already  great  afflic- 
tion, to  hear  that  any  of  you  w^ere  sick.  God,  I  trust  and 
believe,  will  take  care  of  you  all. 

Another  week  has  passed  away  since  I  wrote  you,  and 
still,  through  mercy,  we  are  yet  spared.  On  going  dovs^n 
to  mail  my  last  letter  to  you  I  found  that  Mr.  S,  was  dead  ! 
And  just  as  I  got  home,  about  5,  Mrs.  P.  died  !  It  was, 
indeed,  a  gloomy  afternoon  to  us.  Monday  morning  I 
called  to  see  Mrs.  Dr.  D.  She  was  so  glad  to  see  me. 
She  was  calm  but  deeply  aiilicted.     She  called  in  the  ser- 


156  MEMOIR  OF 

vants  and  asked  me  to  have  prayer.  I  did  so.  I  then 
went  to  see  poor  E.  It  was  truly  affecting  to  hear  her 
lamentations,  I  tried  to  comfort  her.  Went  to  hrother 
T';-. — he  is  better.  Called  to  see  a  brother  P.,  very  ill  of 
fever.  He  died  on  Tue-day,  I  was  sent  for  to  see  a  poor 
woman  dying,  and  went.  That  afternoon  brother  W.  was 
taken  sick  of  fever.  Tuesday,  I  carried  refreshments 
to  brother  T.  They  were  so  thankful.  Old  Mr.  M.  came 
for  me  to  see  his  wife — she  was  dying.  It  was  a 
truly  affecting  scene.  They  had  lived  so  long  to- 
gether. She  died  that  night.  Col.  M.  died  to-day. 
He  will  be  much  missed  in  our  town  and  county.  Wed- 
nesday, called  to  see  brother  W. — he  was  doing  well. 
Sister  P.  had  pent  for  me — I  went,  prayed  and  conversed 
with  her.        *         *  *         At  4,  P.  M.,  I  attended  the 

funeral  of  Mrs.  M.,  and  called  to  see  sister  S. — she  is 
deeply  afflicted.  After  going  to  the  office  went  to  see 
brother  W. — heard  that  Sirs.  D.  was  taken  sick  Tuesday. 

Thursday,  remained  at  home  most  of  the  day.  After 
tea  brother  13.  came  for  me  to  attend  the  funeral  of  brother 
D.  to-morrow  early — had  not  heard  a  word  of  his  illness. 
Friday  at  SJ,  A.  M.,  attended  brother  D's  funeral,  and 
at  10,  went  to  poor  little  S's.  funeral.  Mr.  D.  is  getting 
better.  Heard  to-day  that  Dr  D.  was  sick.  Called  to 
see  brother  T's.  family — they  are  improving.  Called  to 
see  old  Mr.  M. — very  sick.  Also  sister  S.— her  baby  is 
sick  but  better.  While  at  dinner  sister  H.  sent  for  me — 
that  the  Dr.  was  dying.  1  hastened  there.  He  died  at 
2^,  P.  M.,  and  his  sister  v;as  also  dying.  I  helped  to 
shroud  the  Dr.  Miss  S.  died  a  little  after  midnight— both 
dead  in  the  house  at  the  same  time  1  This  is  affliction 
indeed  !  You  cannot  conceive  the  state  of  things  we  are 
in.  The  Lord  deliver  you,  I  pray,  from  ever  exj^eriencing 
it.  You  can  scarcely  get  any  one  to  help  shroud  and  bury 
the  dead.  Miss  S.  had  a  female  nurse  from  Charleston, 
the  Dr.  had  none— he  was  only  taken  Tuesday  night. 
All  Mrs.  H's.  servants  but  one  have  had  the  fever.  She 
is  now  alcne  I 

'*  This,  Sunday  morning,  it  was  raining  quite  hard. 
At  9.  A.  M.,  I  went  to  bury  Dr. — one  gentleman  went 


RBY.   J.   L.   PRICHAED.  157 

with  me — it  rained  all  tlie  time.  I  desired  to  bury  them 
both  in  one  grave,  but  we  could  uot  get  Miss  S's.  coffin  in 
time,  so  at  2,  P.  M.,  I  went  alone  to  bury  Miss  S.  I  rode 
both  times  in  the  Dr's.  rockaway  So  fatiier,  son  and 
aunt  sleep  together.  Mrs.  II.  has  no  one  here  to  look  to 
but  me.     I  feel  sorry  for  her. 

"  We  have  had  no  services  to-day  in  any  of  the  churches. 
Surely  theie  never  was  a  darner  day  in  Wilmington  than 
this  has  been.  The  Lord  only  knows  what  is  in  the  fu- 
ture for  us.  To  Him,  I  desire  to  commit  all.  It  is  now 
getting  late  and  I  am  tired,  so  good  night. 

Monday,  llj,  A.  M.  Attended  a  funeral  at  9.  I  hear 
of  a  great  many  new  cases  this  morning.  Kot  a  drug- 
store open.  They  will  try  and  get  some  apothecary  from 
Charleston.  It  is  still  cloudy  and  shov/ery.  And  now, 
I  again  commit  you  and  the  dear  children  to  our  merciful 
Father.  Tell  the  dear  children  '  Papa  often  thinks  of 
them,  and  prays  tor  them,  and  hopes  to  see  them  a^ain. 
I  want  them  to  be  good  children  and  mind  mama.'  A 
great  deal  of  love  to  all.  Let  us  continue  to  pray  for  one 
another.     God  bless  you  all." 

Two  days  later,  and  his  last  letter  is  begun.  It  narrates 
the  details  of  the  overwhelming  trial  wdiich  was  upon  him, 
in  witnessing  the  increasing  number  ©f  cases  of  sickness 
and  death.  It  would  seem  to  have  been  a  miracle,  if  his 
sensitive  nature  had  not  yielded  to  the  pressure  which  was 
upon  him.  Tenantless  homes  were  all  around,  and  those 
which  were  occupied  presented  only  scenes  of  suffering  and 
lamentation.  At  length  his  own  home  is  invaded  by  the 
pestilence.  His  servants  and  his  sister  are  stricken,  and  then 
the  premonitions  of  fever  are  felt  in  his  own  person.  All 
these  are  noted  with  an  affecting  particularity  in  the  letter 
which  follows.  The  worst  apprehensions  of  his  absent  and 
agonized  family  were  about  to  be  realized.  He  wdio  was 
so  deeply  loved,  and  who  had  been  so  eminently  their 
guide  and  support,  w^as  to  be  taken  from  them.  The  com- 
munication, dated   Oct.  17th,  fell  with   crushing   weight 


158  MEMOIE  OF 

upon  tlieir  spirits,  and  gladly  would  they  have  rushed  to 
soothe  his  dying  moments.     It  is  here  given  : 

"  Though  it  is  only  Friday  mornings  I  conclude  to  com- 
mence my  weekly  letter  to  you.  I  did  not  go  on  the  street 
till  after  dinner,  Monday,  then  heard  that  Mr.  McK.,  of  the 
Commercial  bank,  was  dead,  that  sister  H.  had  the  fever 
and  Dr.  Drane  also  was  ill.  I  called  to  see  Sister  H.  It 
was  very  damp  and  cool.  Tuesday,  at  12,  I  attended  the 
funeral  of  Mr.  M.  ;  at  1  that  of  our  brother  K.  •  and  at  2  that 
of  Mrs.  B.  who  lived  near  us,  mother  of  that  little  boy  who 
always  seemed  so  glad  to  see  us.  Poor  little  fellow,  at  the 
funeral,  he  cried  as  if  his  heart  would  break.  '  O  mama  I 
my  Mama  !'  And  poor  Mrs.  K.  is  heart-broken.  She  has 
two  little  children. 

Old  Mr.  M.  is  thought  to  be  better.  To-day  I  called  at 
Mrs.  D's.,  she  is  also  better  ;  thence  to  see  sister  S.  They 
are  all  better  there  ;  then  to  brother  T's.,  they  are  up  and 
much  better.  Their  little  servant  boy  died  Saturday. 
From  there  I  went  to  Mrs.  K's.;  the  remains  had  just  been 
carried  to  the  grave  without  any  minister  being  there  ;  the 
family  all  sick — then  to  sister  H's.  and  inquired  for  Dr.  D., 
no  be'tter.  Wednesday,  our  other  servant  was  taken  sick. 
Dr.  C.  came  to  see  her.  Heard  that  Dr.  Drane  died  last 
night,  also  Mr.  11.  and  Mr.  N.  I  Brother  H.  sent  for  me, 
has  the  fever.  Called  on  Mr.  C.  He  and  his  wife  botli  in 
bed.  The  children  have  had  the  fever  and  are  up ;  another 
lady  sick  with  fever,  with  them  ;  I  prayed  with  them  : 
they  seemed  so  glad  I  called.  At  3,  P.  M.,  I  attended  Dr. 
Drane's  funeral.  Mr.  Terry  read  the  burial  service.  He 
looks  very  badly.  He  is  staying  at  the  sound,  but  says  he 
is  coming  up  to  town  next  week.  I  advised  him  not,  he  is  so 
feeble,  Only  two  ladies  went  to  the  grave,  several  gentle- 
men. On  my  way  home  from  the  Cemetery  called  on  sis- 
ter P.  She  is  well.  Thursday.  Sister  had  a  chill  last 
night,  and  is  in  bed  sick  !  So  you  see,  step  by  step  the  fe- 
ver advances.  I  went  for  Dr.  C.  Sister  was  very  sick  all 
day.  I  had  to  do  a  hundred  things  and  knew  not  how  to 
do  any,  but  did  the  best  I  could.  I  rested  a  little  while  at 
4,  P.  M.,  then  went  out  and  had  provisions  sent  to   sister 


REV.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  159 

P.  On  coming  home  I  had  onr  supper  and  gave  _  the 
servants  theirs.  They  are  both  better.  About  9  I  retired, 
but  was  so  tired  I  did\iot  get  any  sleep,  till  after  12.  Sis- 
ter is  extremely  feeble  this  morning.  I  made  coffee  and 
we  had  our  breakfast ;  attended  to  getting  dinner.  ^'  - 
"  Mr.  T.  and  wife  are  both  better.  Mrs.  G.  better,  but  L. 
has  black  vomit.  Six  of  Dr.  8%'.  family  are  sick.  I  have 
not  been  out  to-day,  1,  P.  M.  I  have  rested  while  writing 
you  and  soon  must  commence  my  evening  duties.  It  is 
quite  clear  and  pleasant.  We  know  not  what  a  day  may 
bring  forth.     Look  to  God. 

Saturday  morning,  9,  A.  M.  O,  such  a  night  as  my  poor 
sister  had  ;  perfect  prostration  and  utter  weakness.  I  sat 
up  some  time  and  did  all  I  could  and  then  went  to  bed, 
but  not  to  rest  and  sleep,  but  to  listen  to  sister's  plaintive 
moan.  I  think  I  heard  the  clock  strike  every  hour  except 
five.  Late  last  evening  I  went  down  to  try  and  hear  from 
brother  H.,  &c.;  heard  they  were  improving  and  that  Mr. 
Q.,  of  the  Cemetery,  was  dead.  He  helped  to  bury  Dr.  H. 
on  Sunday.  This  morning  is  quite  clear,  and  cooler.  L. 
G.  died  at  day  break  this  morning  and  J.  is  thought  to  be 
dying !  !  I  have  not  heard  from  the  street  and  shall  not  go 
out  to  to  day.  Mr.  M.  will  have  something  cooked  for  us 
to  day,  but  the  Lord  only  knows  who  will  eat  it.     ^''     ^     - 

Well,  my  dear  Wife,  and  do  you  ask  me,  how  I  feel  in 
view  of  never  meeting  my  loved  ones  again  on  earth?  I 
cannot  tell  you.  I  must  not  conceal  from  you  the  true 
state  of  the  case  by  which  we  are  surrounded.  I  am  sick 
now.  My  poor  back  and  head  ache,  the  true  symptoms  of 
fever.  This  is  my  bodily  condition.  I  have  no  other  trust 
but  the  precious  Redeemer  and  He  is  precious  to  me. 
Though  it  may  be  feverish  excitability,  I  am  not  afraid  to 
commit  you  and  my  dear  six  children  to  Him.  He  has  ta- 
ken care  of  me  and  He  will  take  care  of  you  all.  But,  O, 
it  is  hard  to  think  we  cannot  wipe  the  death-damp  from 
each  other's  brow !  Notwithstanding  this,  I  would  not 
have  you  here  on  any  account.  I  know^  every  feeling  of 
your  heart  impels  you  to  share  our  fate.  But  think  of  dear 
Mrs.  Judson  and  those  most  beautifully  touching  lines  be- 
ginning, "  We  part  on  this  green  islet  love,  &c."     They  ex- 


160  MEMOIR   OF 

press  my  present  feelings.  But  I  must  finish  this  for  E.  to 
mail  this  evening.  I  hope  to  be  spared,  but  in  case  I 
should  not,  I  wish  to  make  some  suggestions." 

Here  follow  some  arrangements  and  directions  for  his 
family  : 

"  O,  I  could  writ  e  a  volume  !  But  my  history  is  before 
the  world,  and  I  trust  my  record  is  on  High.  *  I  am  in  a 
strait,  &c.'  To  God  I  commit  you  all,  and  my  spirit  I 
commit  to  Him.  Sweet  babes,  dear  wife,  friends  and 
brethren,  vain  world,  adieu  !     In  hope  of  eternal  life." 

The  hand  of  the  destroyer  was  upon  him  as  he  wrote. 
He  felt  it  and  remarked  to  one  near  him,  "  This  is  the  last 
letter  I  shall  ever  write  to  my  wife."  Alas  !  that  his  present- 
iment should  so  soon  have  been  realized. 

Always  very  prudent  in  his  habits,  it  was  hoped  that  he 
might  escape.  Many  hearts,  far  away  and  in  different  parts 
of  the  country,  were  deeply  solicitous  about  him,  and  many 
prayers  were  offered  up  for  his  safety.  About  the  first  of 
November  the  Baptist  State  Convention  met  at  Wake  For- 
est College.  During  one  of  the  evening  sessions  of  that 
body,  Eev.  R.  B.  Jones,  of  Hertford,  arose  and  announced 
that  Mr.  P.  lay  dangerously  ill  at  his  home  in  Wilmington 
and  suggested  that  special  prayer  be  offered  for  his  recov- 
ery. A  stillness  as  of  death  prevailed,  as  the  speaker  pro- 
ceeded, and  the  petition  which  followed  found  a  response 
in  every  heart.  But  Mr.  P's.  work  on  earth  was  done. 
Faithfully  had  he  toiled  in  the  Master's  vineyard  for  more 
than  thirty  years,  and  now  the  summons  had  come  for  him 
to  enter  into  that  eternity  of  rest  for  which  he  had  been  so 
long  ripening  and  to  which  he  had  so  often  looked  forward 
with  earnest  longings. 

For  several  weeks  the  w^ork  of  death  had  been  drawing 
nearer  and  nearer  to  his  residence,  until  at  last  he  wrote, 
as  w^hole  families,  in  houses  on  every  side,  were  prostrated  : 


REV.    J.   L.    PFJCHxVRD.  161 

"  Death  all  around  us.  They  fall  as  in  battle  on  our  right 
hand  and  on  our  left."  Now  the  disease  enters  his  own 
household,  attacking  his  servants  first,  and  then  his  only 
sister  who  refusing  to  be  separated  from  him  had  cheered 
his  loneliness.  Two  days  after  his  sister  was  prostrated, 
he  too,  smitten  with  fever  and  worn  down  by  anxiety  and 
fatigue,  retired  to  his  chamber,  never  again  to  leave  it  on 
errands  of  mercy. 

The  only  well  person  now  left  in  the  family  was  his  eld- 
est son  who  succeeded  in  securing  an  excellent  nurse  and 
experienced  physicians.  For  two  weeks  his  condition  was 
critical  and  his  sufferings  were  great.  Then  the  crisis 
seemed  to  be  past  and  he  was  evidently  better.  His  phy- 
sician pronounced  him  out  of  danger.  He  was  able  to  sit 
up  a  while,  enjoyed  his  nourishment  and  even  began  to 
speak  of  the  return  of  the  absent  members  of  his  family. 
But  he  did  not  gain  strength  or  improve  as  rapidly  as  his 
friends  fondly  hoped  he  would,  and  an  attack  of  jaundice 
soon  came  on.  Such  was  the  prostration  of  his  system  that 
he  sank  rapidly  under  the  new  attack. 

The  details  of  those  days  of  weariness  and  watchfulness 
are  affectingly  given  in  letters  of  the  son  and  sister  of  the  af- 
flicted one : 

*'  My  Dear  Mother  : — I  went  to  the  office  this  morning 
and  was  very  glad  to  find  a  letter  from  you,  and  will  answer 
it  immediately.  Every  one  in  the  house,  Init  myself,  is  now 
sick.  Pa  was  taken  yesterday  morning,  though  he  had  a 
chill  the  night  before.  The  servants  are  improving,  they 
can  be  up  a  little,  though  the^^  don't  help  us  much.  I  was 
at  the  store  yesterday,  when  t  was  sent  for,  as  Papa  was 
taken  sick.  Capt.  E.  immediately  came  here,  while  I  Avent 
to  get  a  nurse.  Mr.  S.  the  superintendent  let  me  have  a 
very  good  one,  a  mulatto  man,  who  nursed  at  Norfolk  and 
Portsmouth.     ^     ^•^      ^ 

"  The  Journal  has  suspended  at  last,  on  account  of  sick- 
ness of  hands,  though  they  issue  a  bulletin  nearly   every 


162  JIEMOIR   OF 

day,  with  the  most  important  intelligence  ;  the  highest 
number  of  cases  yet  in  24  hours  is  87.  Tell  Johnnie,  that 
Johnnie  and  Lizzie  G.  both  died  yesterday,  and  while  I 
write,  a  wagon  stands  at  the  door  with  J's.  coffin  in  it. 

There  has  been  a  scarcity  of  meat  here  ;  the  country 
carts  have  stopped  coming  in  altogether,  but  with  the  con- 
tributions, which  have  been  very  liberal,  I  suppose  there 
has  been  no  actual  suilering.  I  have  seen  several  dray 
loads  of  coffins,  from  abroad  I  suppose,  going  to  the  depot 
of  supplies,  our  carpenters  not  having  been  able  to  supply 
the  demand.  Dr.  C.  attends  us  and  he  says,  of  138  patients, 
he  has  lost  but  two  in  the  last  19  da^^s.  Capt.  E.  says, 
there  is  more  in  the  niujse  than  the  Dr.,  and  he  says  we  have 
a  faithful  nurse.  ^  -  ■'"  The  town,  as  you  may  imagine, 
is  quite  deserted  ;  you  scarcely  see  a  vehicle  but  the  hearse 
and  the  doctor's  buggy! 

o,  P.  M.  I  have  just  been  to  Papa's  room.  He  says  his 
medicine  has  operated  finely,  and  ha^ang  bathed  his  feet 
in  salt  water,  and  applied  mustard  plasters  to  his  limbs  ,lie 
is  now  in  a  profuse  prespiration  and  pretty  comfortable. 
He  says,  that,  till  after  midnight,  he  had  a  fearful  time,  suf- 
fering very  much  with  his  head  and  back.  The  Dr.  says 
he  is  better  and  doing  very  well." 

WiLMT-TGTON,  Oct.  25th,  1862. 

"  Deae  MAliOiA  : — Supposing  you  would  be  anxious  to 
hear  from  us  as  soon  as  possible,  I  will  write  to-day.  ^Mon- 
day  Papa  was  not  so  sick  as  he  was  Tuesday.  Wednesday 
and  Thursday  he  seemed  better,  but  Thursday  night  and 
yesterday,  he  was  prostrated  by  weakness  and  want  of 
sleep.  This  morning  he  seems  rather  better  and  stronger, 
having  slept  several  hours,  last  night.  All  who  know  any- 
thing about  this  disease  agree  that  it  brings  the  pa- 
tient down  flister  than  any  other.  Dr.  A.,  who_  only 
iiad  a  slight  attack,  said  he  was  so  vs^eak,  it  was  positively 
painful.  ""  "  You  need  not  be  uneasy  about  our  having 
friends.  Capt.  Ellis,  Mr.  S.  Martin  and  others  have  been 
very  kind.  '^  -  ••'  I  am  very  glad  to  say  that  the  dis- 
ease is  abating  ;  yesterday  there  were  only  ttiree  new  cases, 
but  eleven  deatlis.  Robert.'' 


EEY.    J.   L.    PRICIIARD.  163 

Here  follow  extracts  from  letters  from  his  sister  who, 
amid  the  feebleness  attending  a  partial  recovery,  so  ten- 
derly Avatched  over  and  nursed  her  dear  brother  in  his  last 
days  of  suffering. 

"  Thursday  night  brother  had  a  dreadful  time  ;  did  not 
slerp  at  all,  his  mind  wandering.  Yesterday  he  Avas  pros- 
trate. I  asked  the  Dr.  to  tell  me  what  he  thought  of  his 
case.  He  said  it  was  extremely  critical,  but  hopes  by  care- 
ful nursing  he  may  be  spared.  Myers,  our  nurse,  is  very 
kind,  does  everything  I  ask  him  cheerfully.  He  talks  so 
kindly  to  brother  ;  I  feel  thankful  we  have  such  a  nurse. 
The  Dr.  did  not  feel  much  encouraged  this  morning,  but 
Myers  thinks  him  a  little  stronger.  He  appears  inclined 
to  sleep,  but  when  awake  is  so  feeble  he  can  scarcely  talk. 
Dr.  A.  made  him  a  friendly  call,  said  he  was  donig  very 
well,  he  must  have  sleep,  &c.  Brother  has  been  troubled 
wdth  hiccups  since  Thursday.  Mr.  M.  and  his  mother  are 
unbounded  in  their  kindness  and  often  come  to  see  us.  The 
'  Sisters'  have  been  in  once.  I  was  glad  to  see  them. 
They  talk  so  kindly. 

2,*^?.  M.  Capt.  Ellis  thinks  brother  better  this  after- 
noon." 

"  Oct.  26.  This  is  one  of  the  nrost  dreary  Sabbaths  I 
ever  saw.  The  rain  poured  in  torrents  till  after  eleven, 
then,  for  an  hour,  a  high  east  wind;  now  a  steady  rain.  I 
hardly  know  what  to  say  about  brother  ;  the  Dr.  says  he 
does  not  see  much  change  in  him.  He  is  inclined  to  sleep 
most  of  the  time,  has  nothing  to  say  to  me  to-day ;  yester- 
da.y,  he  talked  to  me  a  good  deal.  He  takes  his  nourish- 
ment, but  I  am  anxious  to  see  him  more  like  him.self. 

''  Capt.  Ellis  comes  in  twice  a  day.  We  missed  him  to- 
day.    He  is  very  kind.     I  shall  always  love  him. 

Monday  Moening,  Oct.  27th. — Cold  and  clear,  Avith  high 
wind  ;  almost  cold  enough  for  ice,  very  unfavorable  for  the 
sick.  O !  such  an  anxious  night  1  had !  Though  the 
weather  was  so  piercing,  I  had  to  get  up  in  the  night  and 
come  into  brother's  room,  to  see  how  he  was.  To-day,  I 
am  sitting  in  brother's  room,  by  a  good  fire.  I  feel  encour- 
aged about  liim.     The  Dr.  thinks  l?e  has  passed  the  cri' is, 


164  MEMOm  OF 

and  says  the  cold  weather  will  brace  him  up.  O,  that  our 
hopes  may  be  realized.  Brother  certainly  appears  better 
to-day,  though  he  says  he  does  not  feel  any  stronger.  Yes- 
terday he  could  scarcely  speak  to  be  understood.  I  felt, 
when  I  had  written  one  page,  I  never  would  finish  this 
letter,  for  I  feared  the  scenes  of  to  day  would  not  be  such 
as  I  could  write.  1  pray  that  I  may  feel  as  humble  and 
thankful  as  I  ought,  if  my  brother  is  spared.  He  looked 
so  changed  yesterday.  He  is  very  yellow.  Yesterday  he 
had  an  unnatural  look  about  the  eye,  in  fact,  everything  to 
me  v.^as  then  discouraging,  but  Myers  did  not  appear  dis- 
couraged. This  morning  I  sent  early  into  brother's  room 
to  see  how  he  was.  I  heard  him  answer  in  my  rocm  5  how 
glad  I  felt  to  hear  his  voice. 

The  Dr.  thinks  there  will  hardly  be  many  m.ore  cases  of 
fever,  after  this  ;  said  Saturday,  he  had  twelve  new  cases, 
but  none  since.  If  the  wind  falls  to  night  and  unless  there 
is  a  change  in  the  weather,  we  will  be  apt  to  have  a  white 
frost.  How  glad  I  should  be  if  brotlier  was  only  as  strong 
as  I  am !" 

Oct.  29th. — "  Thanks  t©  our  Heavenly  Father,  my  dear 
brother  is,  I  hope,  much  better.  He  is  still  very  feeble, 
but  says,  he  enjoys  his  nourishment.  He  did  not  sleep 
much  last  night,  but  said  he  rested  and  he  had  several 
naps  tb rough  the  day  yesterday.  I  feel  very  much  en- 
couraged. Dr.  C.  told  him  yesterday  he  should  dismiss 
him  in  a  few  days.  Dr.  A.  called  last  evening,  said  all 
brother's  symptoms  were  very  good  and  he  expected  to  see 
him  up  in  a  few  days.  You  would  be  shocked  to  see  him 
now,  his  skin  is  so  yellow,  but  his  eyes  look  clearer.  *  -  * 
If  you  do  not  get  a  letter  for  several  days  you  need  not 
feel  anxious.  If  any  thing  happen  Capt.  E.  will  let  you 
know." 

Nov.  4th. — "  Brother  is  still  very  feeble,  indeed  he  does 
not  appear  any  stronger  than  he  was  a  week  ago.  Though 
he  takes  nourishment,  he  does  not  gain  his  strength.  He 
can't  sleep  at  night,  but  I  tell  him'  he  sleeps  in  the  day. 
He  says,  he  dreamed  of  you  last  night.  When  he 
speaks  of  getting  well,  he  talks  of  his  desire  to  see  the 
children  and  says  he  shall  miss  Annie  so  much   if  she  re- 


RET.   J.   L.   PEICHARB.  165 

mains  in  E.,  but  appears  williDg  she  should  do  so.  He 
says,  he  had  made  up  his  mind  he  should  die,  and  felt  per- 
fectly resigned,  I  think  Dr.  Drane's  death  had  a  very  sad 
effect  on  him.  They  had  been  together  a  great  deal,  before 
the  Dr.  was  sick,  and  you  know  lie  was  a  man  of  very  so- 
cial manners.  Brother  became  more  attached  to  him  than 
ever.  Dr.  Ws.  dea^h  afflicted  him  ve?y  much,  it  w^as  so 
unexpected  to  us  all — 1  think  it  was  rather  too  much  for 
brother  in  his  weak  state.  *  ^'  - 

"  Brother  tells  me  to  write  you  just  how  he  is  and  1  try 
to  do  so.  You  must  not  think  1  wish  to  excite  your  feel- 
ings. I  did  hope  by  this  time  he  would  be  able  to  sit  up. 
Dr.  C.  has  just  been  in.  He  had  not  been  in  since  last 
AVednesday,  said  he  left  brother  doing  well,  and  he  had 
been  very  busy.  He  says  brother  has  the  jaundice,  but 
gives  me  gieat  encouragement.  *  ^  '"^  ^  Two  of  the  '  Sis- 
ters of  Mercy  '  have  just  called.  I  wish  you  could  see 
Mother  Theresa,  she  is  one  of  the  sweetest  looking  j^ersons, 
I  ever  saw.  I  do  love  to  have  her  come  She  brought  Dr. 
Corcoran,  a  Catholic  Priest  from  Charleston,  Avith  her  one 
time.^     She  has  been  in  often."     '^     ^' 

":N:oy.  8th.  1862.—  *  -  I  hardly  know  what  to  say 
about  brother.  He  had  a  bad  night,  last  night,  buiferA 
much  with  his  back  ;  has  not  been  as  well  to-day.  Dr.  C. 
has  gone  up  the  country.  Dr.  A.  came  in  to-day.  He 
talked  \ery  encouragingly,  but  brother  appears  discouraged, 
says  he  can't  live  unless  he  is  relieved.  Dv.  A.  is  here 
now,  brother  told  him  he  felt  better.  I  try  to  be  as  cheer-  . 
ful  as  I  can.  The  nurse  leaves  to-night,  being  obliged  to 
look  after  his  family  in  Charleston,  but  I  can  do  very  well ; 
am  glad  to  have  the  opportunity  to  sleep  in  the  room  with 
him,  for  I  can  hear  him  at  night  and  wisli  I  was  with  him. 
I  know  what  it  is,  to  lie  awake  so  much  when  every  one 
is  asleep.     ^     "^     - 

"  Well,  w^e  have  liad  a  frost  and  1  do  hope  the  fever  will 
disappear.  A  great  many  persons  were  up  from  the  Sound 
at  night.  I  do  not  w^ant  you  to  come  too  soon.  You  spoke 
of  hoping  soon  to  get  a  letter  from  brother.  He  has  not 
even  read  one  of  your  letters  yet.  You  cannot  imagine 
how  feeble  he  is.     I  feel  hopeful,  but  when   he   seems   so 


166  MEMOIR   OF 

low-ppirited,  yon  must  know  I  feel  badly.  I  often  wisli  I 
conld  see  yonr  Father  with  hi>i  cheerful  face.  I  never  saw 
Capt.  E.  appear  so  cheerfnl." 

Sunday,  8,  A.  M.,  Nov.  9th. 
^'  Another  frost,  and  ice  !  Brother  had  a  more  comfort- 
able night.  The  Dr.  told  me  to  give  him  paresjoric  every 
hour  till  it  quieted  hira.  Two  doses  were  sufficient  and 
he  slept  pretty  well  till  four  o'clock  this  morning.  He 
has  now  had  his  breaktast  and  is  quiet." 

The  next  letter  was  more  startling  than  previous  ac- 
counts gave    reason  to  expect.     It  is  from  his  oldest  son  : 

November,  12th,  1862. 

''Dear  Mama: — Knowing  you  will  be  anxious  to  hear 
from  us — I  will  write  a  few  lines.  Since  Saturday  papa 
has  had  a  change  for  the  worse,  suifering  a  great  deal  of 
pain.  Yesterday  and  last  night,  lie  was  very  sick — in- 
deed I  think  the  Dr.  had  little  hopes  of  him  in  the  even- 
ing. Between  nine  and  ten  last  night,  he  was  some- 
what relieved,  and  this  morning  he  ma}^  be  a  very  little 
better,  but  I  am  afraid  not.  Yesterday  he  seemed  im- 
pressed with  the  idea  that  he  was  dying,  but  this  morn- 
ing he  lies  quiet  and  says  little.  Mr.  W.  and  Mr.  C.  sat 
up  with  him  night  before  last,  and  Mr.  W.  last  night. 
Aunt  L.  hardly  leaves  him  a  moment.  Y^esterday  even- 
ing he  kept  calling  for  you  and  would  not  be  pacified  till 
aunt  L.  came  in,  who  had  gone  down  stairs.  I  do  trust 
he  will  be  spared,  but  he  is  very  sick  now. 

We  have  had  three  white  frosts,  and  ice  a  quarter  of  an 
inch  thick,  but  the  cool  weather  does  not  check  the  fever 
much.  Nine  or  ten  new  cases  yesterday — the  reason  of 
which,  it  is  thought,  is,  that  so  many  people  have  come 
back  and  taken  it  almost  directly.  ''^*         *         ^         * 

Your  affectionate  son." 

(from   captain    ELLIS.) 

November  13th,  1862. 
"Dear  Sister: — I  have  just  left  brother  Prichard,  and 
it  is  with  pain  I  have  to  announce  the  Dr.  informs  me 


EET.  J.  L.  PPJCIIARD.  167 

he  has  no  hopes  of  his  recovery.     God  give  grace  to  bear 
up  under  the  heavy  affliction.     I  will  write  by  next  maiL 
Affectionately  your  brother, 

C.  D.  Ellis." 

(from  tue  same.) 

November  13tii,  1862. 
"Dear  Sister  P. : — I  dropped  you  a  line  yesterday  with 
promise  to  write  again  to-day.  Your  husband,  our  dear 
pastor,  is  still  alive,  but  I  cannot  say  he  is  any  better. 
While  life  lasts  there  is  hope.  Oar  most  earnest  prayers 
are  going  up  continually  that  God    will  spare   him. 

Very  truly ^ 

C.  D.  Ellis." 

The  hour  of  his  dismission  had  come.  As  a  few  loving 
ones  surrounded  him,  on  the  13th  of  November,  nearly 
a  month  after  he  was  taken  sick,  his  spirit  entered  into 
rest.  His  devoted  friend  and  constant  attendant,  Capt. 
C.  D.  Ellis,  communicated  the  sad  intelligence  to  his  be- 
reaved wife  in  the  following  note  : 

'^  It  becomes  my  painful  duty  to  announce  the  depar- 
ture of  our  dear,  dear  pastor.  He  left  us  last  night,  at 
halt  past  eleven  o'clock,  and  with  a  sweet  smile  on  his 
face,  has  gone  to  reap  the  reward  of  his  works.  I  am 
sure,  if  he  could  communicate  with  ns,  he  would  say  : 
*  Grieve  not  for  me.'  May  we  not  comfort  ourselves  with 
the  thought  that  he  is  now  a  ministering  spirit  watching 
over  us  ?  0,  that  the  Lord  may  give  U3  grace  to  bear 
this  heavy  loss  and  say,  '  Thy  will  be  done.'" 
(from  miss  lydia  peiciiard.) 

November  14th,  1863. 

"My  Distressed  Sister: — I  feel  I  cannot  sleep  to-night 
without  writing  to  you  about  my  dear  brother.  How  sad 
and  lonely  we  are !  Our  friends  have  done  every- 
thing they  could.  All  the  neighbors  have  been  so  kind 
and  seem  to  feel  so  deeply.       My  dear   brother  would 


168  MEMOIR  OF 

not  let  me  leave  liim  one  minute.     When  he  slept  a  little 
I  would  lie  down  by  his  side  and  drop  asleep,  hut  waked 
the  moment  he  stirred.     Brother  W.  staid  with  us,  all 
the  time,  from  Monday  till  after  ail  was  over,     irie  was  so 
good  to  brother,  lifting  him  and  waiting  on  him.     Brother 
could  not   bear  him  to  be  absent  ;  but  if  I   told    him  he 
was  eating  or  sleeping,  he  would   le   satisfied.     Other 
brethren  did  all  they  could.     ^      ^     *     ^      -     Oh  !  how 
pleasant    my  dear    brother    looked    after   he    was    dead. 
Brother  W.  said  he  appeared  as  he  did   when  he  was  ad- 
ministering the  communion.     There  was  a  sweet  smile  on 
his  countenance.      *         ''^         -       I  do  not  think  brother 
wanted  you  to    come  home  ;  he  never  said  anything  like 
it  to   me.     Mrs.  S.  was  sitting  where  he  could  see  her 
one  day — he   was  suffering  very  much — he  called  her  to 
him  and  said :    '  Mrs.  S.  you  are  a  wife  and  a  mother  and 
you  will  know  how  to   sympathise    with  my  wife.'     The 
morning  he  was  taken  sick  he  was  writing  a  letter.     To  a 
colored  woman  who    came  in  he  said  :  '  I  am   sick  ;  I  ex- 
pect this  is   the  last   letter  I  shall  ever  write  to  my  wife.' 
I  think  he  was  impressed  with  the  idea  he  should  die  from 
the  first.     Being  asked,  if  he  was   going  to  write  for  you 
to  come  home    he  rei)lied  :   '  No,  I  do    not  want  wife  to 
come   home.'    *     *     *     He  wis  truly  patient,  during  his 
sickness,  never   murmuring  or    complaining  at  anything. 
I  shall  always  feel    thankful  for  the  privilege  of  nursing 
him.     He  told  me  to  have  him  buried  on  the  right  hand 
side  of  dear  little  Jemmie."         ^         ^         ^         ^ 

During  his  sickness  he  conversed  but  little  except  in 
the  few  days  of  his  apparent  convalescence.  Then  he  en- 
joyed hearing  his  siiter  read  the  Bible,  Jay's  Exercises, 
and  occasionally  the  newspapers.  He  read  hiruself,  with 
his  accustomed  interest,  a  part  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
]N"orth  Carolina  Baptist  State  Convention,  as  published 
in  the  Biblical  Recorder.  This  was  the  only  session  of 
that  body  from  which  he  had  been  absent  since  his  return 
to  his  native  State. 


HEV.   J.  L.'PRICHARD.  169 

About  his  absent  ones  he  said  but  little — the  subject 
was  too  tender  to  pass  his  lips.  But  his  letters  show  that 
they  were  ever  present  ta  his  memor3^  May  we  not  im- 
agine how  his  heart  yearned  towards  the  loved  group  in 
a  distant  city,  and  his  darling  first-born,  absent  at  school? 
Doubtless  many  of  the  lonely  hours  of  those  long,  wake- 
ful nights  were  occupied  with  thoughts  of  the  dear  ones 
whom  he  was  to  meet  no  more  on  earth.  Thoughts  too 
of  the  flock  with  which  he  had  labored,  and  whicli  would 
now  be  as  sheep  without  a  shepherd,  came  over  him. 
Knowing  him  as  we  do,  we  seem  to  hear  him  exclaim,  as 
he  turns  from  these  things  to  the  doctrine  of  God's  sov- 
ereignty :   ''  The  Lord  reigneth." 

It  was  a  merciful  arrangement  of  Providence,  that  he 
was  not  stricken  down  during  the  early  jDrevalence  of  the 
■epidemic.  After  laboring  for  weeks  in  behalf  of  others, 
administering  to  their  physical  and  spiritual  wants,  he 
was  permitted  to  receive  the  kind  attention  of  friends, 
some  of  whom  had  bat  recently  recovered  from  the  dread- 
ful disease.  He  w^s  also  permitted  to  enjoy  the  tender 
<jare  of  his  sister,  who  was  wonderfully  strengthened  for 
her  labor  of  love. 

So  rapid  was  his  decline,  and  so  unexpected  his  death, 
that  while  the  absent  members  of  his  family  were  antici- 
pating a  speedy  reunion  around  the  fireside,  and  his 
friends  were  rejoicing  over  the  tidings  of  his  improved 
health,  a  little  band  of  sincere  mourners  accompanied  his 
s-emains  to  their  last  resting-place  and  laid  him — in  the 
spot  selected  by  himself — by  the  side  of  "  darling  Jem- 
mie,"  there  to  repose  till  the  morning  of  the  resurrection« 


11 


CHAPTEE  X. 

Extensive  Usefulness — Vigorous  Intellect — Betentive 
Memory — Courage — Confidence  in  his  own  Judgjment — 
Strength  of  Will — Little  Poetic  Imagination — 
Warm  Sympathies — Consecration— Interest  in  Works 
OF  Benevolence — Manner  in  the  Pulpit — His  Do- 
mestic Habits — Fa^^iily  Worship — Touching  Inci- 
dent— Estimate  of   Character  by  a  Virginia  Pastor, 

Mr.  Priciiard's  cliaracter  is  so  fully  illustrated  in  the 
preceding  pages  that  it  is  perhaps  needless  to  say  more  t 
but  the  pen  lingers  as  the  memory  of  all  that  he  did  and 
all  that  he  was  rises  before  us.  That  he  was  a  man  of  more 
than  ordinary  ability  is  sbown  by  the  success  whicb  be 
achieved  and  the  position  to  which  he  rose  in  spite  of  the 
most  serious  disadvantages.  "  By  their  fruits  ye  shall 
know  them,"  is  a  rule  which  is  susceptible  of  application 
to  the  intellect  as  well  as  the  heart.  Judged  according  to 
this  standard  Air.  Prichard's  talents  were  of  a  very  high 
order.  Wbo  that  saw  hi^rj  in  Ms  youth,  toiliDg  at  his  trade^ 
would  have  anticipated  the  brilliant  and  useful  career  oi^ 
which  he  entered  a  few  years  afterwards,  and  which  he 
steadily  pursued,  rising  step  by  stev^  till  the  close  of  hi& 
life  I    All  the  probabilities  were  against  such,  a  suppositiiij® 


REV.   J.   L.   PKICHARD.  171 

for  tiie  poor  joimg  man.  Few  accomplisli  more  even  un- 
der the  most  favorable  circumstances. 

He  had  a  vigorous  and  active  intellect,  rather  practical 
than  speculative,  preferring  to  take  the  materials  within 
his  reach  and  fashion  them  for  purj^oses  of  usefulness,  in- 
stead of  striking  out  as  a  pioneer  or  adventurer  in  the 
the  world  of  thought.  On  all  subjects  which  engaged  his 
attention  his  reasoning  was  rapid  yet  cautious  and  accurate. 
His  judgment,  when  uninfluenced  by  disturbing  causes, 
was  correct.  His  nervous  organism  was  unusually  deli- 
cate, and  when  it  was  excited  or  deranged  by  disease  or 
other  causes  the  careful  discrimination,  which  marked  his 
calmer  moments  and  made  him  so  safe  a  counsellor,  some- 
times failed  him  temporarily.  This  was  especially  the  case 
amid  the  confusion  incident  to  the  proceedings  of  delibe- 
rative bodies.  At  such  times  he  occasionally  missed  the 
point  under  discussion,  but  pressed  his  views  with  force 
and  earnestness  till  a  brief  interval  of  quiet  reflection  serv- 
ed to  show  hioQ  his  mistake. 

He  had  a  retentive  and  ready  m^emory — gathered  knowl- 
edge from  every  available  source  and  what  he  once  digest- 
ed and  stored  away  he  could  easily  recal  when  the  occa- 
sion required  it.  His  information,  not  only  on  general 
topics,  but  also  on  many  which  lie  beyond  the  range  of  or- 
dinary discussion  and  investigation,  was  extensive  and 
thorough.  ]N"or  was  it  thrown  together  promiscuously,  as 
is  sometimes  the  case,  like  the  articles  in  a  lumber  room. 
Order  and  taste  presided  over  memory  and  his  knowledge 
was  like  the  armament  of  a  fort  under  the  direction  of  a 
skilful  commandant,  each  part  brought  out  at  the  proper 
time  and  used  to  the  best  advantage. 

Courage,  both  physical  and  moral,  he  possessed  in  a  re- 
markable degree.     The  thought  of  what  others  would  say, 


172  MEMOIE  OF 

of  personal  popularity  or  unpopularity,  had  not  a  feather's 
weight  in  forming  his  opinions  or  determining  his  course  of 
action.  The  fear  of  the  Lord,  of  doing  wrong  and  thereby 
incurring  the  displeasure  of  the  Master,  was  the  only  fear  he 
ever  knew.  Opinions  which  he  honestly  held,  no  considera- 
tions of  expediency  could  keep  him  from  avowing.  A  course 
of  action  which  he  felt  to  be  right,  he  steadily  pursued,  no 
matter  what  the  opposition  which  he  encountered.  And  yet 
he  was  neither  rash  nor  reckless.  Ordinarily  he  was  pru- 
dent, both  in  word  and  deed. 

As  might  be  expected,  from  his  early  experiences  and 
his  positive  character,  he  had  great  confidence  in  his  own 
judgment.  But  there  was  about  him  no  pride  of  opinion. 
Always  open  to  conviction  and  willing  to  hear  both  sides, 
he  would  urge  his  own  views  and  plans  till  convinced  that 
he  was  in  the  wrong.  Then  he  never  hesitated  to  make 
full  acknowledgment  of  his  error.  In  the  heat  and  excite- 
ment of  debate  he  was  sometimes  apparently  discourteous 
— never  intentionally  so — to  others,  but  when  it  was  made 
known  to  him  or  he  had  reason  to  suspect  it,  he  made 
prompt  and  ample  reparation.  One  who  had  much  pleas- 
ant intercourse  with  him,  furnishes  the  following  incident, 
and  many  others  of  a  similar  character  might  be  added  : 

"  In  the  earlier  part  of  my  ministry  I  was  frequently 
thrown  with  Mr.  P.  and  we  conversed  freely  on  many  top- 
ics about  which  we  differed.  He  had  spoken  very  plainly 
to  me  but  I  had  not  thought  of  taking  offence.  One  night 
we  were  guests  of  the  same  family,  while  attending  the  ses- 
sion of  an  Association  ;  and  as  we  were  walking  out  to- 
gether after  supper,  he  turned  suddenly  to  me  and  said : 
<  I  have  been  thinking  of  what  has  passed  between  us,  and 
I  have  feared  that  at  some  time  I  may  have  wounded  your 
feelings  by  my  plainness  of  speech.  If  so  I  did  not  intend 
it  and  I  wish  to  ask  your  pardon.'  " 


REV.  J.  L    PRICHAED.  173 

"  This  to  a  mere  youth,  from  one  so  far  above  me  in  every 
respect,  both  surprised  and  humbled  me,  wliile  it  raised  still 
hit^her  my  already  exalted  estimate  of  the  man  " 

His  whole  life  demonstrates  his  strength  of  will  and 
firmness  of  purpose.  An  undertaking  once  entered  upon, 
he  prosecuted  it  vv'ith  unfaltering  energy.  Failure  did  not 
discourage  him.  Again  and  again  he  returned  to  the  work, 
his  courage  and  his  resources  rising  Vv^ith  the  emergency, 
till  at  last  opposition  gave  way  and  victor}^  crowned  his 
efforts. 

Of  poetic  imagination  he  had  but  little;  of  poetic  feel- 
ing a  great  deal.  The  grand  and  the  beautiful  in  nature, 
and  the  nobler  qualities  of  the  heart,  manifested  in  the 
scenes  of  real  life,  aifected  him  deepl)^  In  his  friendships, 
in  his  ministerial  labors  and  within  the  sacred  precincts  of 
home,  he  evinced  much  of  the  tenderness,  patience,  con- 
stancy and  firmness  with  which  writers  of  fiction  delight  to 
invest  their  heroes. 

His  heart  was  keenly  alive  to  all  the  claims  of  humanity. 
Whether  he  sat  b}'-  the  bedside  of  the  sick  and  dying  and 
pointed  chem  to  the  Saviour  of  sinners,  or  visited  the  sor- 
rowing and  the  bereaved,  or  entered  the  abodes  of  the  poor 
and  wretched,  or  mingled  in  the  brighter  scenes  of  social 
enjoj'ment,  his  warm  heart  and  active  sympathies  prepared 
him  for  the  task  and  rendered  him  ever  a  welcome  guest. 

To  his  natural  endowments  of  head  and  heart  Grace  had 
imparted  its  ennobling  and  beautifying  influence.  His  re- 
ligious experience  was  clearly  marked,  and  his  piety  intel- 
ligent, earnest,  active  and  consistent.  He  had,  on  the  one 
hand,  a  lively  sense  of  his  need  of  the  Saviour,  and,  on  the 
other,  an  unwavering  confidence  in  the  all-sufficiency  of 
Christ.  Hence,  while  he  was  always  humble  he  was  al- 
ways cheerful. 


174  MEMOIR  OF 

He  was  a  consecrated  man.  Himself  and  all  that  lie 
possessed,  lie  bad  given  to  the  Lord.  Wlien  a  friend  adv'sid 
him  to  read  a  popular  novel  he  replied,  "I  have  ntver 
read  a  novel.  I  can  not  spend  ni}^  time  in  reading  such 
things  when  there  is  bO  much  to  do  for  God."  His  time, 
he  felt,  was  not  his  own.  So  with  his  cliildren.  When 
they  were  sick  his  prayer  was:  "  O  God,  spare  tliem,  for 
thyself  first  ;  then  iov  usefulness  in  the  tvorld  ;  then  for  us." 

He  recognized  fully  the  doctrine  of  a  special  Providence 
— saw  in  everything  a  Father's  hand,  directing,  restraining, 
controlling — and  as  a  consequence  he  was  a  man  of  prayer. 
Said  one  who  knew  him  well :  "  I  do  not  remember  a 
single  instance  of  Mr.  P's.  retiring  at  night  wit  put  first  re- 
turning thanks  for  mercies  received  and  invoking  a  contin- 
uance of  the  same.  After  traveling  all  day,  or  mingling 
with  his  brethren  in  the  deliberations  of  religious  bodies, 
no  matter  how  much  exhausted  he  was  at  night,  he  would 
say  to  his  room  mates  :  'Let  us  ask  God's  blessing  before 
we  retire.'  And  kneeling  at  his  bedside  he  would  lead  us 
in  prayer  or  request  one  of  the  company  to  do  it." 

Llis  views  in  reference  to  benevolent  enterprises  were  en- 
lightened and  liberal.  He  could  not  be  localized  and  he 
had  no  hobbies.  He  was  the  ardent  friend  and  promoter 
of  Home  Missions  but  equally  zealous  as  an  advocate  of 
Foreign  Missions  and  Education.  Whatever  had  for  its 
object  to  build  up  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  found  in  him 
a  cordial  friend. 

As  a  preacher  he  stood  high.  His  sermons  were  care- 
fully and  prayerfully  prepared.  His  favorite  themes  were 
the  great  truths  of  the  Gospel,  such  as  Justification  by  Faith, 
the  Imputation  of  Christ's  Righteousness,  Election,  &c., 
&c.  His  style  was  plain  and  his  manner  simple  but  ear- 
nest.    He  was  careful  to  fortify  every   position   vrhich  he 


EEV.    J.   L.   PRICHARD.  175 

took,  with  testimony  from  tlie  Scriptures.  He  g^athered  il- 
lustrations from  a  great  variety  of  sources  antl  used  them 
freely  and  often  with  great  effect.  In  the  ordinary  accep- 
tation of  the  term  he  was.  not  an  eloquent  preacher,  and  yet 
at  times,  as  he  discussed  some  of  the  grand  truths  of 
the  New  Testament  and  wanned  with  his  subject,  there 
■was  about  him  a,  sort  of  eloquence  that  made  him  almost 
irresistible. 

It  is  needless  to  speak  of  him  as  a  pastor.  The  living 
fruits  of  his  labors  tell,  better  than  we  can,  his  capacity  and 
faithfulness  in  this  important  sphere  of  usetulness. 

In  the  domestic  circle,  he  ever  aimed  to  promote  the  hap- 
piness of  each  individual.  By  constant  acts  of  attention, 
trivial  in  themselves,  he  sought  to  add  to  tlie  comfort  of 
his  household — to  lessen  the  cares  of  the  elder  members 
and  increase  the  pleasur(^s  of  the  younger.  Many  tender 
allusions  to  the  "  dear  children,"  in  hisdiar}^,  as  he  planned 
various  amusements  for  the  little  ones,  or  furniehed  some 
interesting  book  or  magazine  to  tlie  older  children,  show 
what  a  devoted  father  he  was.  Whatever  strictness  ap- 
peared in  liis  discipline,  was  only  caused  by  his  earnest 
desire  to  have  his  children  examples  of  goodness.  While  he 
commanded  their  respect  and  implicit  obedience,  their 
affection  for  him  w^as  not  the  less.  ''Papa's  study"  was 
always  a  fav'orite  resort  for  the  little  ones,  to  enjoy  a  Cjuiet 
play,  or  look  at  the  pictures  in  his  books,  which  he  always 
permitted  them  to  use,  saying:  "  They  would  be  less  apt 
to  abuse  books,  if  accustomed  to  the  use  of  them.*'  "  My 
children,  never  disturb  me,"  he  would  say,  "  when  good- 
naturedly  playing;''  and  he  loved  to  have  them  wdth  him, 
even  when  writing  and  studying.  Indeed,  they  early 
learned  to  restrain  the  exuberance  of  playful  feeling,  while 
"  Papa  was  studying  his  sermon." 


176  MEMOIR   OF 

Said  one  of  his  little  sons,  while  speaking  of  the  pleas- 
ant hours  he  had  spent  here  with  his  father:  ''Papa  al- 
ways used  to  pray  before  he  commenced  studying  his  ser- 
mon and  we  nse-d  to  kneel  down  with  him,"  Feelins:,  as 
he  did,  the  want  of  early  educational  advantages,  he  af- 
forded his  children  every  opportunity  for  mental  enltnre. 
By  sending  them  to  the  best  schools,  and  snpplying  them 
with  nseful  and  entertaining  reading,  he  encouraged  the 
love  of  books  v>'hieh  they  early  manifested.  "  What  would 
I  not  ]iave  given  when  I  was  your  age,"  he  would  tell 
them,  ''for  the  books  and  periodicals  you  have  access  to?'^ 
That  his  children  might,  "if  possible,  receive  a  good  edu- 
cation," was  the  only  special  request  he  left  in  reference 
to  their  future  management.  But  above  every  thing  else, 
as  has  been  said,  he  desired  that  they  might  become  holy 
men  and  women,  and  from  their  earliest  infancy  they  were 
specially  dedicated  to  God  in  prayer.  The  regular  obser- 
vance of  family  worship  was  deemed  by  him  an  important 
measure  for  promoting  piety  ;  and  this  service,  instead  of 
being  a  cold,  unmeaning  formality,  was  rendered  interest- 
ing to  every  member  of  the  fjimily  by  requii-ing  each  to 
share  ia  its  exerci&es.  His  children  will  never  forget  the 
"  first  verse  "  they  learned  to  re|>eat  at  morning  prayers. 
After  a  passage  of  Scripture  v»'as  repeated  by  each  mem- 
ber of  the  family,  all  joined  in  reading  a  chapter  and  sing- 
ing a  hymn.  Then  followed  a  prayer  suited  to  the  peculiar 
condition  of  the  family.  This  was  the  order  of  exercises 
for  the  morning.  At  night  they  were  somewhat  shorter 
in  order  that  the  younger  children  might  retire  early.  n 
these  family  devotions  the  'New  Testament  was  read  many 
times  through,  and  the  whole  Bible  once  or  twice. 

When  Mr.  P.  was  at  home  nothing  was  ever  allowed  to 
prevent  family  worship.     On  several  occasions,  when  con- 


EEY.    J.    L.    PRICHAED.  177 

fined  to  Ins  ])C(1  by  sickness,  the  f^milj^  asse:i:ibled  in  his 
chamber,  at  the  appointed  lioni\  and  after  the  chapter  for 
tlie  day  had  been  read,  he  led  tlie  devotions  while  all  bowed 
around  him. 

One  incident  may  be  related  in  this  connection.  On  the 
morning  of  the  ord  of  August,  185a,  all  had  assembled 
for  prayers.  Little  Jemraie,  after  a  night  of  great  suli'er- 
ing,  lay  quiet  in  his  cradle.  When  the  others  ha  I  repeated 
their  verses  of  Scripture,  Mr.  P.  turned  to  little  J.  and 
said  :  "  My  son,  can  you  say  your  verse  for  papa  ?"  Some 
who  were  p-esent  seemed  surprised  at  the  question,  suppos- 
ing the  child  unconscious  of  what  was  passing.  But  with- 
out the  slightest  hesitation  he  distinctl}^  repeated  one  of  the 
last  verses  he  had  learned  :  "As  the  mountains  are  round 
about  Jerusaleai,  so  the  Lord  is  round  about  his  people 
from  henceforth,  even  forever.'' 

How  touching  and  appropriate  was  this  precious  promise 
to  these  parents  as  repeated  by  their  dying  child.  In  after 
years,  as  memory  recalled  that  passage,  so  impressively 
uttered,  it  seemed  to  them  like  a  message  of  comfort  from 
heaven. 

Mr.  Prichard's  influence  could  not  but  be  widely  felt. 
The  preceding  pages  show,  to  some  extent,  what  it  was. 
One  phase  of  it,  which  has  not  been  referred  to,  demands  a 
passing  notice.  The  story  of  his  early  struggles  was  ex- 
tensively known  in  his  native  State  and  in  other  States ; 
and  it  has  awakened  in  more  than  one  heart  aspirations  for 
the  advantages  which  education  gives,  and  a  stern  resolve 
to  obtain  them.  Some  of  tliose  who,  toiling  on  in  poverty 
and  ignorance,  caught  their  first  gleam  of  hope  from  his 
example,  and  afterwards  rose  to  honor  and  usefulness,  are 
known  to  tlie  writer.  The  full  influence  of  that  example 
will  be  known  only  in  eternity. 


178  IvIEMOIR  OF 

This  surve}'  ^vill  be  closed  bv  a  reference  to  Mr.  Prich- 
ard's  cliaracter  and  influence  by  one  of  his  Virginia  breth- 
ren, who  knew  him  intimately  : 

"Thongli  I  am  conscious  of  inability  to  speak  of  liim  as 
I  feel,  I  shall  aim  to  give  my  impressioa  as  to  the  mere 
Balient  points  of  liis  cliaracter.  He  was  by  nature,  a  noble 
spirit,  generous,  affectionate  and  courageous.  His  will  was 
strong,  his  feelings  intense,  and  his  moral  tone  pure  and 
lofty.  When  he  gave  liimself  to  Christ,  the  consecration 
was  entire;  and  love  to  an  unseen  Saviour  was  thence- 
forth the  motive  power,  the  guiding  and  controlling  princi- 
ple of  his  life. 

"  His  disposition  was  eminently  social,  and  he  eeemed 
never  hai)pier  than  when  surrounded  by  congenial  brethren 
in  liis  own  hospitable  home.  Were  these  brethren  less  cul- 
tivated or  experienced  than  himself,  he  would,  when  the 
occasion  de/nanded,  kindly  and  unassumingly  extend 
to  them  the  benefits  of  his  superior  attainments.  If,  on  the 
other  hand,  his  companions  were  men  more  able  than  him- 
self, he  regarded  them  with  an  admiration  unmixed  with 
envy,  and  would  gladly  sit  as  a  learner  at  their  feet.  But 
these  sentiments  never  degenerated  into  a  cringing  defer- 
ence to  their  opinions,  when  those  opinions  did  not  com- 
mend themselves  to  his  own  judgment ;  and  whenever  he 
differed  with  others,  no  mock  modesty  prevented  him  from 
frankly  expressing  his  dissent.  Still  less  was  he  ever  res- 
trained by  fear,  an  emotion  of  which,  I  believe,  he  was  ex- 
perimentally ignorant.  If,  as  sometimes  happened,  he  en- 
countered an  opponent  as  fearless  and  as  decided  as  him- 
self, long  and  sharp  vrord-  battles  might  ensue  ;  but,  on  his 
part  certainly,  they  were  never  accompanied  or  followed 
by  a  trace  of  wounded  feeling  ;  while  he  never  intentional- 
ly gave  occasion  for  such  feeling  to  the  other  party. 


KEY.  J.  L.  PRICHARD.  179 

"  AYhile  lie  would  not  have  been  deemed  an  imprudent 
man,  he  was,  less  than  most  men,  restrained  andinlluenced 
by  motives  of  expediency.  If  honor  or  justice  seemed  to 
indicate  a  certain  course,  he  never  stopped  to  consider 
whether  it  w^as  popular  or  likely  to  succeed  ;  but  promptly 
entered  upon  it,  and  unhesitatingly  pursued  it  to  the  bitter 
end.  He  thus,  at  times,  doubtless  incurred  the  disapproba- 
tion and  the  dislike  of  some  persons  ;  but  if  they  knew  him 
at  all,  and  were  possessed  of  ordinary  candor,  they  could 
not  fail  to  admire  his  noble  independence — his  almost  sub- 
lime abandonment  to  whbt  he  thought. 

'*  I  will  cire  an  instance  in  illustration  of  this  point.  It 
has  long  been  the  rule  of  the  Virginia  Baptist  Education 
Board,  to  require  of  each  beneficiary  a  bond  for  the  amount 
furnished  him,  ])ayable,  however,  only  when  he  should  feel 
himself  able  to  pay  it.  Mr.  Prichard  was  opposed  to  this 
plan.  He  had  lively  recollections  of  his  ov,'n  experience  in 
securing  an  education,  and  his  sympathy  for  the  student 
for  the  ministry  had  almost  a  motherly  tenderness.  Hence, 
while  no  man  oa  earth  would  have  been  prompter  or 
more  certain  to  pay  such  a  claim,  he  yet  thought  that  it 
ought  not,  even  in  the  mildest  form,  to  be  held  over  the 
young  minister  ;  but  that  the  churches  should  send  him 
forth  to  his  work,  debt-free. 

"  Well  do  I  remember  the  earnestness  with  which,  at  a 
meeting  of  the  Society  held  at  the  2nd  Baptist  Church, 
Eichmond,  nearly  twenty  years  ago,  he  attacked  the  rule 
which  has  been  mentioned.  Several  noble  young  men, 
beneficiaries,  were  sittins:  near  me  in  the  o-allerv,  and  man- 
ifested  deep  emotion  at  his  warm  championship  in  their 
behalf.  He  was  unsuccessful,  and  some  annoyance  may 
have  been  felt  at  his  persistence,  by  those  whose  policy  he 
opposed  ;  but  in  after  years,  again  and  again,  when  the 
subject  came  up,  he  would  urge  his  protest. 


180  MEMOIR   OF 

"His  mind  was  not  what  would  be  called  of  the  logical 
order,  and  he  had  not  enjoyed  the  advantage  of  an  early 
and  the  most  thorouo:h  trainino^.  His  conclusions  seemed 
to  be  often  rather  the  result  of  intuition  than  of  reasoning; 
but  if  this  was  so,  his  intuitions  were  certainly  remarkable 
for  their  acuteness,  and  his  conclusions  for  their  accuracy. 
His  thougtits  were  tlie  effect  rather  than  the  cause  ot  his 
emotions  ;  and  when  some  strong  feeling  stirred  his  heart, 
his  mind  often  flashed  with  the  corruscations  of  genius. 

"On  this  account,  as  might  have  been  anticipated,  his 
pulpit  eflorts  were  peculiarly  unequal.  Though  he  was  a 
hard  student,  and  specially  in  his  later  years  was  generall}^ 
instructive,  yet  as  he  was  not  a  Bi1)lical  critic,  nor  a  great 
reasoner,  his  sermons,  when  he  lacked  the  inspiration  of 
deep  feeling,  may  not  have  been  powerful ;  but  when  his 
heart  was  glowing,  when  his  sensibilities  were  aroused 
and  trie  surroundings  were  fiivorable  to  the  jday  of  his 
emotional  nature; —then,  he  was  truly  eloquent,  carrying 
his  audience  away  by  his  appeals  or  melting  them  by  his 
patbos  Hence,  he  probably  never  did  himself  justice  in 
his  efforts  in  "  strange  cities,"  or  on  occasions  when  lie 
conceived  himself  surrounded  by  the  unappreciative  or  the 
critical.  The  presence  of  such  a  congreo^.ition,  while  it  in- 
spired no  fear,  chilled  liim,  and  rendered  impossible  that 
mysterious  sympath}^  so  essential  to  effective  speaking. 
But  with  his  own  people,  of  vrhose  appreciation  lie  felt 
sure,  or  at  some  Association,  where  he  was  perfectly  at 
home,  he  often  felt  th<^  divine  afflatus,  and  his  discourses 
were  characterized  by  that  highest  of  all  qualities  in  the 
pulpit— that  blended  tervor  and  tenderness  which  constitute 
what  we  call  unction. 

*I  shall  never  forget  a  familiar  sermon  which   I   heard 
him  preach  in  hisLectuie-room  in  Lynchburg,  in  '52  or '53, 


EEY.   J.   L.   PRICHARD.  181 

from  Pliil.  TV  :  6,  7.  Perhaps  no  new  truth  was  brought 
to  light;  but,  as  with  a  deep  and  quiet  tone,  he  unfolded 
the  precious  contents  of  the  text,  an  almost  pamful  stillness 
prevailed,  and  many  eyes  were  swimmiug  in  tears.  Spe- 
cially do  I  remember  how  he  dwelt  on  the  fact  tliat  it  was 
through  Christ  that  the  believer  enjoys  the  promised  peace. 
"Jesus,  that  name — that  golden  key  which  unlocks  to  U8 
the  store  house  of  gospel  blessings  f  these  words,  and  the 
amplification  of  the  idea,  were  presented  within  describa- 
ble  pathos,  and  produced  an  effect  that  was  thrilling. 

"  The  secret  of  his  preaching  was  also  the  secret  of  the 
influence  which  he  exerted.  This  influence  was  strictly 
personal^  and  was  due  to  the  sympathetic  power  of  his  ge- 
nial yet  decided  and  positive  character.  More  tlian  by  his 
arguments,  he  was  by  his  pure  life,  and  his  pious  spirit,  a 
motor  for  good,  a  leader  of  his  fellow  men  into  the  paths 
of  truth  and  righteousness. 

"  Among  his  minor  yet  distinctive  traits  of  character,  was 
the  intense  love  that  he  felt  for  his  mother  state — his  strong 
State  pride.  lie  loved  the  very  dust  of  North  Carolina, 
and  would  have  resented  any  imputation  upon  her  honor 
more  warmly  than  a  personal  affront.  This  trait,  however, 
co-existed  with  as  enlarged  a  catholicity  as  I  ever  saw  in 
any  man.  His  heart  was  too  big,  botli  by  nature  and  by 
grace,  not  to  love  ardently  every  good  object,  every  lova- 
ble person,  whenever  found.  I  am  reminded  that  the  last 
time  I  saw  him  was  in  the  Summer  of  1862,  when  he  came 
to  Richmond  to  visit  the  sick  and  wounded  North  Caroli- 
na soldiers  who  were  in  the  hospitals  in  that  city.  It  wae 
to  him,  in  a  three  fold  sense,  a  labor  of  love  ;  and  day  af- 
ter day,  despite  the  enervating  sun,  and  his  own  feebleness, 
he  ministered  to  their  temporal  and  eternal  wants. 

"Indulge  me  in  a  word  as  to  the  circumstances  of  his 


182  MEMOIE  OF 

death.  He  died  nobly.  Unstimulated  by  the  excitements 
of  the  battle  field,  be  stood  firmly  at  bis  post,  amid  the 
ra^fijing  epidemic,  earnestly  working,  patiently  waiting,  and 
calmly  looking  death  in  the  face.  All  have  applauded  the 
heroism  of  his  course  and  the  purity  of  bis  motives  ;  but 
some  may  have  regarded  his  remaining  in  Wilmington  as 
a  needless  and  a  wrong  exposure.  I  cannot  so  regard  it. 
I  do  not  blame  any  man  who,  in  similar  circumstances, 
feels  called  upon  to  leave  his  post.  It  is  a  matter  which 
every  one  must  decide  for  himself;  but  he  who  elects  to 
'  eta^id  and  wait,'  though  '  plagues  and  deaths  around 
him  fly,', seems  to  me  to  have  'chosen  the  better  part.' 

"  In  the  prevalence  of  a  fatal  epidemic,  it  would  indeed 
be  well,  if  the  entire  population  could  be  removed  from  the 
infected  regions,  that  the  fuel  being  removed  the  fire 
might  die.  But  it  is  seldom  that  this  is  possible.  Various 
causes  may  render  it  necessary  for  many  to  remain.  Gen- 
erally speaking,  the  bulk  of  a  church — mainly  poor  peo- 
ple— do  not  and  cannot  get  awa}^  The  pastor,  who  volun- 
tarily forbears  to  avail  himself  of  his  opportunity  to  go, 
and  of  his  own  accord  remains  with  the  many  who  cannot 
leave,  sharing  the  perils  and  troubles  which  he  might 
avoid,  seems  to  me  eminently  acting  in  the  spirit  of  Him, 
who,  ]x">ssessed  of  infi.nite  power,  iorebore  to  u>e  it  for  his 
own  good,  but  shared  the  lot  of  the  lowly  and  the  poor 
whom  he  came  to  save.  And  if  such  a  pastor  falls  under 
such  circumstances,  verily,  he  Malls,  a  blessed  martyr.' 
His  last  labors  may  be,  in  every  sense,  his  best,  and  from 
his  fall  more  good  may  follow  than  a  prolonged  life  could 
have  .'secured.  I  rejoice  that  Pastors,  as  well  a?  Priests, 
are  ready  to  minister  in  the  infected  hospital  and  on  the 
bloody  battle  field,  though  the  former  do  not  lay  the  stress, 
that  the  latter  do,  upon  ministrations  performed  for  the 
dying  and  for  the  dead.'' 


^^'''^Stiiiiiliifiiiiiiliilli 

""0035520973 


938.5 

H87 

CALL    NUMBER 

95B.5 
TT87 

VOL. 

YEAR 

COPY 

— — — i 

AUTHOR 

Hui'nam 

TITLE 

i^^moir  of  Rev.  John  L. 

BRITTLE  DO  NOX 
PHOTOCOPY 

